HC Deb 15 March 1887 vol 312 cc376-7
MR. CHILDERS (Edinburgh, S.)

May I ask when Her Majesty's Government propose to take the Vote on Account for the Civil Service?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

On Thursday next.

MR. HENRY H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)

I thought there was an understanding that the Navy Estimates were to be taken on Thursday.

MR. W. H. SMITH

The Navy Estimates, the Supplementary Navy Estimates, and the Vote on Account for the Civil Service will all be down on Thursday. On the Motion that the Speaker do leave the Chair to go into Committee on the Navy Estimates, it will be competent for hon. Members to bring forward Amendments relating to such Estimates;but we shall be able to proceed with the Supplementary Navy Estimates and the Vote on Account for the Civil Service without any further Motion that the Speaker do leave the Chair.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

As a point of Order, may I ask you, Sir, if it is practicable for the Government to take a Vote on Account without first moving that you leave the Chair?

MR. SPEAKER

Yes;it has been repeatedly done.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

Has it not invariably been in reference to Supplementary Estimates as distinct from Votes on Account? Is it not competent for any hon. Member to move an Amendment to the Question that you leave the Chair for the purpose of considering a Vote on Account?

MR. SPEAKER

No;it is not competent for an hon. Member to move an Amendment to the Motion that the Speaker leave the Chair for the purpose of considering a Vote on Account. The distinction which the hon. Member draws is incorrect, and it would be my duty to leave the Chair at once on the Motion being made, on Monday or Thurday that the House go into Committee for the purpose of considering either Supplementary Estimates or a Vote on Account.