§ MR. MASON (Lanark, Mid)asked, when the Coal Mines, &c. Regulation Bill would be taken?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster), in reply, said, he had no hope that the Bill would be taken this week; but hoped that it would be proceeded with very soon after the Committee on the Irish Land Law Bill closed, having regard, of course, to the exigencies of Supply.
§ MR. JAMES STUART (Shoreditch, Hoxton)asked, whether, having regard to the circumstances under which the debate on the second reading of the Marriages Confirmation Bill had been adjourned that morning on the casting vote of the Speaker, the First Lord of the Treasury would be prepared to arrange that the Bill would come on before half-past 12 that evening?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he was sorry to say that, looking at the very great importance of the measure now under the consideration of the House, he should not feel justified in asking the House to report Progress before half-past 12.
§ MR. JESSE COLLINGS (Birmingham, Bordesley)said, he wished to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, with reference to his statement that the Government desired to receive practical suggestions respecting the terrible amount of land now out of cultivation, whether he would give facilities during the present Session for the consideration of those suggestions and remedies contained in the provisions of the Small Holdings Bill?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, that the Government would be exceedingly glad if an opportunity could be found for the discussion of the measure in which the hon. Member took an interest; but he was afraid it was not in his power to make any engagement with the hon. Gentleman to provide facilities, for there were, unfortunately, too many measures I which they desired to forward, some of I which they could not pass into law this Session.
§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)inquired when Supply would be taken?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI hope we may get through the Irish. Land Law Bill in the course of this week, and Supply will follow.