§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, considering the exhausting labours which had recently been entailed on hon. Members, and the fact that there is a general disposition to get away early in view of the proceedings at Portsmouth to-morrow, he will allow the Business of the House to close at 7 o'clock that evening?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I should very much prefer to continue Committee of Supply this evening at 9 o'clock; because, as the hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware, we are exceedingly backward with it. But 1774 I must defer to the general feeling of the House. I am aware that the labours of the House have been very protracted, and have pressed very heavily on hon. Members; and it is therefore the wish of the Government that the House should not sit this evening. While I shall not hesitate to move the adjournment of the House at 7 o'clock, I trust hon. Gentlemen will assist the Government, as well as themselves, by making reasonable progress with Supply during the interval which elapses between now and 7 o'clock.