§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Derby)said, it would be for the convenience of the House if the First Lord of the Treasury would say what course he intended to pursue with regard to Public Business during the present Sitting?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster), in reply, said, the first duty of the Government would be to press on with Supply. For the present week, the Government would not ask for the consideration of any other Business—at least, so far as he knew at present. The Government, however, would reserve their liberty in case of emergency; but the Civil Service Estimates would be proceeded with in the order in which they stood, with the exception of Scotch and Irish Estimates, which would be postponed until after the Civil Service Estimates had been concluded. The Education Estimates would be taken on Friday next.
§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (Marylebone, E.)inquired whether the right hon. Gentleman proposed to take the Navy Estimates this week; and, if so, in what rotation?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he did not expect that the Civil Service Estimates would be got through before the end of the present week.
§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked, whether it was intended to proceed with the Bann and other Drainage Bills?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he thought it would be for the convenience of the House if he retained the liberty which he had just intimated in reply to the right hon. Gentleman.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)asked, whether Wednesday 461 Sittings would continue available for private Members' Bills?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, the hon. Member did not appear to be aware that the House had, by Resolution, placed Wednesdays at the disposal of the Government.