§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That the Proceedings on Supply and Ways and Means, this night, be not interrupted under the Standing Order, Sittings of the House, and the Proceedings on Ways and Means may be begun, though opposed, after Twelve o'clock."—(Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer.)
§ THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)asked whether the Motion was put down with a view of compelling the conclusion of the Irish Estimates to-night?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)The Motion is made in order to give more elbow-room, if I may use the word, to hon. Members, and in order that they may feel that they are not tied to a particular hour. I believe that hon. Members below the Gangway opposite, as well as all sections of the House, will be anxious, if possible, to bring the Estimates to a conclusion this evening, as it would involve very considerable inconvenience to a great many Members if they should be obliged to return on Monday, as they will have to do if we cannot conclude the Estimates to-night. But the Motion is put down with no desire of compelling hon. Members to conclude this evening, but only in the hope that they may see their way to do so. I would remind hon. Members that, if there be any point which they should feel they had not time adequately to discuss this evening, possibly 651 on Report to-morrow they would be able to raise it. If we take the Report of Supply to-morrow we shall be able to read the Appropriation Bill and to conclude the Business of the House practically on Saturday.
§ MR. SEXTONsaid, he shared the desire of the right hon. Gentleman to bring the Business of the House to a termination as soon as possible; but he asked whether it would not be possible, consistently with the passing of the Appropriation Bill on Christmas Eve, to leave over a portion of Supply till tomorrow?
§ MR. SEXTONYes.
§ MR. GOSCHENAS I understand it, Christmas Eve is Monday next, I do not know whether hon. Members would really wish to impose on the House the obligation of coming to town on Monday if, with the help of some co-operation on the part of hon. Members, it be possible to avoid that contingency; but it is with no desire to put undue pressure on hon. Members, or to close further discussion, that this Motion is put on the Paper.
§ MR. JOHN MORLEY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)asked if the 6 o'clock Rule would be suspended to-morrow?
§ MR. GOSCHENYes; and that is a further argument why hon. Members should endeavour to conclude the Estimates this evening, as they will be able, on Report, to discuss further points if they should find it necessary to do so.
§ MR. SEXTONAfter the statement of the right hon. Gentleman, my hon. Friends do not intend to divide the House against the Motion.
§ Motion agreed to.