HC Deb 24 February 1888 vol 322 cc1381-2
MR. W. E. GLADSTONE (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury, What is the course of Business for the coming week?

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

I should have been glad to have arranged to take the Motion of the hon. and learned Gentleman (Sir Charles Russell) with regard to public meetings in Trafalgar Square on Monday; but I can only do so on the understanding that the remaining days of Supply between Thursday in next week and the 15th of March would be sufficient to vote the Supplies necessary for the Public Service. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, there are only five days when it is possible to put down operative Supply after Monday next. We have to obtain the Supplementary Estimates which have been presented to the House, and we have also to take a Vote for the Army and Navy, and a Vote on Account for the Civil Services. If the right hon. Gentleman is in a position to intimate his belief and to give us his assistance to secure that those Votes shall be passed by the 15th of March, I will gladly surrender Monday next for the discussion which, it is desired to raise. The question is one on which the Government are anxious to obtain the judgment of the House with the least possible delay; but if there is any doubt as to the time that would be taken by the Estimates I shall be compelled to take Monday for them, and in that event I would give Thursday for the Motion.

MR. W. E. GLADSTONE

When that sort of question is put to me, perhaps I am justified in rising to reply. I entirely agree as to the reasonableness of the object that the right hon. Gentleman has in view; but he will not be surprised when I say that it is not in my power to give him the assurance that a certain number of days will be sufficient for Supply. I cannot give that assurance; therefore, I think he would do wisely to take his own course.

MR. W. H. SMITH

Under these circumstances, I am only discharging my duty in fixing the Supplementary Estimates for Monday. I hope and believe that that will suffice, so that Thursday may be given for the Motion.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, & c.)

said, the Estimates bad not been issued.

MR. W. H. SMITH

said, they were laid on the Table that morning, and were now in the Vote Office.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)

inquired whether, in the Constabulary Estimates, any sum had been put down for the additional money required for the services of the police?

MR. W. H. SMITH

None.

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

asked, whether there was anything in the Estimates referring to magistrates in Ireland?

MR. W. H. SMITH

There is.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

asked, whether there was any Vote in the Estimates on which they could raise the case of Mr. Stoney?

THE CHIEF SECEETAEY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

I rather think not.

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