HC Deb 24 August 1889 vol 340 cc423-4
MR. JACKSON

I beg to move for leave to introduce the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to apply a sum, out of the Consolidated Fund, to the Service of the year ending on the thirty-first day of March one thousand eight hundred and ninety, and to appropriate the Supplies granted in this Session of Parliament, and that Mr. Courtney, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Mr. Jackson, do prepare and bring it in.

MR. T. M. HEALY

was understood to ask whether further facilities would be given for the discussion of certain Votes.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH,) Strand, Westminster

I have stated that the Government hopes to give hon. Members an opportunity of discussing Estimates which they have not been able to discuss this year owing to the fact that they were not reached till a very late period of the Session, but I must point out to the hon. and learned Gentleman that there have been 45 days devoted to Supply this Session. I think the hon. and learned Gentleman will see the extreme difficulty in which the House has been placed by the discussion of some Estimates at very great length.

MR. A. SUTHERLAND (Sutherland)

I am glad the right hon. Gentleman has not defended the way in which the Scotch Estimates have been dealt with. The discussion of some of them has been deferred, and one of them was taken after 1 o'clock in the morning. The way in which the Scotch Estimates have been treated is nothing short of scandalous. I hope the right hon. Gentleman will endeavour next Session to make up for the very unfair way in which they have been dealt with this Session.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I would submit to the right hon. Gentleman that if Supply were taken regularly during the Session from its commencement a great deal of time would be saved which is now consumed in long discussions on Votes on Account, and in troublesome Motions for Adjournment, and in other ways.

MR. W. H. SMITH

If the right hon. Gentleman will look back upon the records of the Session he will see that Supply was started very early.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill presented, and read the first time; to be read a second time upon Monday next.

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