HC Deb 07 August 1888 vol 329 cc1852-3

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

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

said, the Indian Budget would be taken before the Autumn Sitting.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Derby)

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether he could inform the House as to the Business which he proposed to take during the next few days?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I shall do so as far as I can; but much must depend upon the progress made. If the Members of Parliament (Charges and Allegations) Bill is read a third time to-night we propose that Scotch Business shall be taken to-morrow, and the Indian Budget on Thursday. I do not think I can go further than this at the present moment.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

When will the Amendments of the Lords to the Local Government Bill be taken?

MR. W. H. SMITH

On Friday, if we can get them down in time; if not, on Monday.

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

Is the arrangement with regard to Scotch Business being taken to-morrow contingent upon the Members of Parliament (Charges and Allegations) Bill being read a third time to-night?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I should not like to answer that Question definitely. I shall make every effort to adhere to the arrangement with regard to Scotch Business to-morrow.

MR. BAUMANN (Camberwell, Peckham)

When will the Metropolitan Board of Works (Money) Bill be taken?

MR. W. H. SMITH

On Friday or Saturday.

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

Could the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the Lords' Amendments to the Local Government Bill shall be taken on Friday? It would be a great convenience to Members to get the Bill disposed of this week.

MR. W. H. SMITH

I shall make every effort to do so. The Amendments will only be able to be printed on Friday morning; but they are not of a character to excite any very great interest.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)

We are making arrangements now by which the Lords' Amendments will be distributed on Friday morning, if the Report stage is agreed to on Thursday night.

MR. HENRY H. FOWLER

Then in that case they can be taken on Friday.