HC Deb 15 May 1888 vol 326 cc328-9
MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, What Business the Government propose to take at the resumed Sitting of the House on Thursday, May 31?

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

The Government propose to take the Civil Service Estimates in Committee of Supply on Thursday, the 31st May. Since last evening I have been aware of the fact that hon. Gentlemen have remained in town—some of them with the view to take part in the discussion of the Employers' Liability Bill, which it was understood would come on next Thursday—and having regard to that fact, and having regard also to the extreme desirableness of getting that Bill referred to the Grand Committee on Trade and Commerce, I think it better to revert to the original arrangement with regard to that Bill and take it on Thursday, in place of the Irish Bills which were intended to be taken. It is, therefore, proposed that we should take a Vote on Account, which is absolutely necessary for the Public Services, on Thursday, and the second reading of the Employers' Liability Bill, in the hope that we may be able to refer it to the Committee on Trade and Commerce. The two Irish Bills will then stand for Monday, the 4th of June.

MR. BROADHURST (Nottingham, W.)

asked at what hour Progress would be reported, and the Employers' Liability Bill taken?

MR. W. H. SMITH

We will report Progress the moment we got the Vote on Account; and I trust hon. Gentlemen will not occupy more than the necessary time for the discussion of the Vote on Account. It is unusual to occupy a very long time on a question of that kind, but it is absolutely necessary for the Public Service that we should have the Vote. Seeing that is the case, the Vote will stand as the first Business, and the Employers' Liability Bill as the second.

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

said, that after the statement of the right hon. Gentleman he would not go on with his Motion, of which he had given Notice for Thursday. Could the right hon. Gentleman see his way to postpone the Criminal Evidence Bill until the 4th of June?

MR. W. H. SMITH

It will not be taken before the 4th of June.

SIR RICHARD PAGET (Somerset, Wells)

asked when the Railway and Canal Traffic Bill would be taken?

MR. W. H. SMITH

That is a matter which does not rest with me. It is for arrangement by the Committee on Trade and Commerce.