HC Deb 02 August 1888 vol 329 cc1249-51
MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)

asked, whether the Government intended to proceed with the Excise Duties (Local Purposes) Bill before the adjournment; and, if so, when?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)

In the present state of Business it is extremely difficult to fix a day.

MR. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to bring in this Bill late in the Session, when many Members are away? Members are already pairing and going away.

MR. GOSCHEN

I am in a dilemma with regard to this matter, because the right hon. Member for Mid Lothian (Mr. W. E. Gladstone)—very naturally as I think—insisted the other day that the Bill ought to be brought in before the Autumn Session, on the ground that the tax ought not to be delayed until so late a period of the year. Of course, there is here this circumstance to be borne in mind, that the tax is not an Imperial tax, but a local one. Personally I should have no objection to a postponement of the Bill until the Autumn Session if we cannot bring it on very early next week. But I can only postpone it on the understanding that such postponement is not to be considered in the light of a withdrawal or change of front on the part of the Government.

MR. FIRTH (Dundee)

asked, whether the Sitting on Saturday would be devoted to Scotch Business?

MR. GOSCHEN

No; it will be impossible to take Scotch Business on that day. I may state the course of Business during the next two days. It is absolutely indispensable to take a Vote on Account to-morrow for the Civil Service, and on Saturday it will be necessary to take the Report of the Vote on Account of the Army and Navy Estimates. The Army Estimates will be put down for to-morrow, and the Vote on Account may possibly be taken on that night, and in that case the Army and Navy Votes will be proceeded with at a Saturday Sitting.

MR. MUNDELLA

inquired whether the right hon. Gentleman supposed that a Vote on Account could be got to-morrow night? There were many subjects that would have to be discussed.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN&c.) (Stirling,

Which day will be devoted to Scotch Business?

MR. GOSCHEN

In the absence of the First Lord of the Treasury I cannot go beyond the next few days, for which the programme has been absolutely settled; but I know the anxiety of the First Lord of the Treasury to secure a day for Scotch Business as soon as possible. In answer to the right hon. Member opposite (Mr. Mundella), I have to say that it is our hope and expectation to complete the Vote on Account to-morrow, it being absolutely necessary to secure the money.

In reply to Sir WILLIAM PLOWDEN (Wolverhampton, W.).

MR. GOSCHEN

said, the Indian Budget would be taken this Session if it were possible to do so; and, in accordance with the pledge of the First Lord of the Treasury, three clear days' Notice would be given.