§ MR. BROADHURST (Nottingham, W.)asked the First Lord of Treasury, Whether, during the ensuing Recess, the Government will consider the advisability of dividing the Session of Parliament into two parts, the first part to adjourn in June, and the second part to commence in October and close before Christmas?
§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)wished, before the right hon. Gentleman answered, to ask him, with reference to the Notice of Motion on that subject given by the right hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow (Sir George Trevelyan), whether he would be ready to give facilities for the discussion of that Motion, if it could be brought to his mind and knowledge that there was a general wish on both sides of the House that there should be such discussion? Probably, the discussion would only last half-an-hour or so.
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I am always desirous of considering any wish of the House, especially when it is of the exceedingly moderate character indicated by the hon. Member; but I am afraid that he is not able to give an absolute assurance that the time occupied by the discussion referred to would be limited to half-an-hour. In answer to the Question of the hon. Member for West Nottingham, I have to say that I am aware that the suggestion of the hon. Member is one in which many Members of the House take great interest, and I cannot say, therefore, that it will not be considered by the Government during the Recess; but the first duty of the Government is to consider the demands of the Public Service and the interests of the country. If, with due regard to those paramount claims, it would be possible so to arrange the Sittings of Parliament with reference to 438 the convenience of Members as to permit of a summer holiday, it would afford me, individually, unfeigned satisfaction.