MR. S. HILLMay I ask when the Tithes Bill will be taken?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHThe Tithes Rent Charge Bill stands on the Paper for Thursday. If it is not reached on that day, I will inform my hon. Friend when it is likely to be taken.
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHWe shall take it at any time.
§ In reply to Mr. SHAW LEFEVRE,
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHsaid: We propose to take the Constabulary Vote tonight, and then to go back to the Irish Estimates in Class 2 in the order in which they stand. I think the first is the Vote for the Lord Lieutenant. If the Irish Estimates are not concluded on Thursday, they will be proceeded with de die in diem, and after they are disposed of the Tithes Bill will be taken.
§ MR. STOREY (Sunderland)What do the Government propose to do with the Drainage Bills?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI hope to pass the Bann Drainage Bill this Session. I also hope to pass the Shannon and Barrow Bills, but will be guided by circumstances.
§ MR. STOREYI am quite aware that the Shannon and Barrow Drainage Bills must go over until next Session; but I wish further to press my question respecting the Bann Drainage Bill. The Bill has several stages yet to pass through. I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that there is a possibility of prolonged opposition from English and Scotch Members, and opposition, too, from the localities. Under the circumstances, I would like to know whether he will not commit the "happy dispatch" and tell us that the Bann Drainage Bill is also to go?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will give the hon. Gentleman an undertaking that the Bann Drainage Bill will be taken after the Light Railways Bills. As to the Shannon and Barrow Bills they will have to be dropped.
§ MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)Is it intended to take the London County Council (Money) Bill to-night?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHNo, Sir; it will not be taken to-night.
§ SIR W. FOSTERWill the Notification of Infectious Diseases Bill be the first Order on Friday?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHI cannot undertake to make it the first Order. The Government must at this period of the Session take the business that remains to be considered when they are able to reach it.