MR. J. E. ELLISI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the period of the Session, the general desire that it should not be much further prolonged, and the inadvisability of legislation involving controverted principles without reasonable opportunity for discussion, he can now state definitely what Government Bills will be persevered with?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHI think the hon. Member will admit that the Government have been most anxious to avoid bringing before the House I at this period of the Session strongly 73 opposed Bills. As far as I am aware the only Government Bill which involves serious controversy is the Tithe-Rent Charge Recovery Bill, and I am hoping that we shall be able to conclude the Session without any undue delay.
§ MR. J. MORLEY (Newcastle-on-Tyne)May I ask whether the Government are likely to allow facilities for a discussion of the Irish Sunday Closing Bill?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHThe Government are most anxious that an opportunity should be found for discussing that question.
§ MR. H. H. FOWLERConsidering the number of Votes still remaining to be taken, will the Government proceed with Supply de die in diem?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHI hope that Supply may be reached this evening so as to make effective progress, and also to-morrow. The Education Estimates in Class 4 will be taken on Monday, and I hope that they will be disposed of on that evening. On Tuesday the Irish Constabulary vote will be taken, and the House will proceed with the consideration of Irish Estimates during the remainder of the week.
§ MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)Are we to understand that the Merchant Shipping (Pilotage) Bill will not be taken until after next week?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHI believe that the Merchant Shipping (Pilotage) Bill is generally accepted by the House, but I will not say whether or not it will be taken to-day or to-morrow. I do not wish to go beyond Thursday of next week in allocating business. After the Education Estimates on Monday and the Irish Constabulary Vote on Tuesday, I do not desire to say at present what business will be taken until the Government have seen what progress has been' made.
§ MR. STOREYDoes the Chief Secretary propose to take the Bann Drainage Bill to-morrow?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir.
§ MR. H. GARDNERI wish to know whether the Government can give hon. Members interested three or four days' notice before the Tithes Bill is taken.
§ * MR. W. H. SMITH; The Government will give all the notice they can. Hon. Members will have ample notice.