§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I was asked to state the course of Public Business as far as I am able to make any forecast. The House is aware that I am in a difficulty as to making an accurate forecast of what the progress of Business will be. But, in the event of concluding the Committee on the Bill now under the consideration of the House this evening, we shall take the third reading on Monday, and the Excise Duties (Local Purposes) Bill on Tuesday. And then, I hope, we shall proceed with the consideration of the Employers' Liability for Injuries to Workmen Bill on Thursday next. I think that would meet the engagements into which I have entered with the House with reference to these measures. An appeal was made to me by hon. Gentlemen below the Gangway from Ireland to name a day for the consideration of the Irish Estimates. I understand the ground of that appeal, which is a reasonable one; and, assuming that the other arrangements can be carried out, we shall be able to take them on Monday week, and proceed with them from day to day.
§ MR. JOHN MORLEY (Newcastle-upon-TyneWhat will be the Business on Wednesday?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHWe must proceed on Wednesday with Supply. Possibly we may have to ask for a Vote on Account.
§ In reply to Mr. SHAW LEFEVRE (Bradford, Central),
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he hoped the Navy Estimates would be taken as soon as they had concluded the Civil Service Estimates.
§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)Am I to understand that the Scotch Estimates and the Estimates for this Emigration Vote are to come after the Irish Estimates?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI am sorry that it should be so; I am sorry that anybody should have to come after anybody else. According to my experience of Parliamentary life, I fear it must be so, unless we could arrange to sit in two or three houses at the same time. [Loud Opposition Cheers.] I am quite aware of the fact that no hon. Member would desire to be excluded from taking part in the debates on all questions affecting the Empire. I think I have answered the Question.
§ In reply to Mr. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside) and Mr. P. S. POWELL (Wigan),
§ MR. W. H. SMITH saidIt is the desire and intention of the Government to pass the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Bill if they possibly can do so. As to the Liability of Trustees Bill, I cannot give any engagement whatever with regard to any private Members' Bills.