HC Deb 18 July 1889 vol 338 cc739-40

MR. STOREY: Is the programme the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury mapped out subject to the consideration of the Report of the Committee on Royal Grants, or does the right hon. Gentleman mean to take the consideration of the measures he has named first?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

The Report of the Committee and the action the House may take on it will undoubtedly have precedence over other business.

MR. HUNTER (Aberdeen, N.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a considerable number of Scottish Members have made arrangements to leave London to-morrow to take part in an interesting ceremony in Edinburgh? In those circumstances, and in order to prevent the greatest possible inconvenience to Members on this side of the House, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of not taking the Universities Bill as the first Order on Monday, especially as it ought not to be impossible on that day to take both the Universities Bill and the Local Government Bill?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

I think it would be necessary to take the Local Government Bill on Monday; but I accept the suggestion of the hon. Member, that there appears to be a prospect of the early disposal of those two important measures; and, therefore, to meet the convenience of Scottish Members, the Universities Bill will be placed second on Monday.

* MR. CHILDERS

What are the intentions of the Government with respect to the Sugar Convention Bill?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

I have already stated that I do not think it necessary to make arrangements at this period of the Session in order to give time before 12 o'clock for the Sugar Convention Bill. But if the right hon. Gentleman and his Friends think it necessary that any discussion should take place on the Motion that the Order be discharged, I will postpone the Bill to a future day.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Will Supply be the first Order for to-morrow?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

There are several Orders on the Paper which the Government are anxious to advance. For instance, there are the Factors Bill, the Light Railways (Ireland) Bill, Lunacy Acts (Amendment) Bill, Coinage (Light Gold) Bill, and one or two other measures which ought to take precedence.

MR. STOREY

Is the Light Railways (Ireland) Bill now to take precedence of the Drainage Bills?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Yes, Sir.

SIR R. LETHBRIDGE

When does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take the Council of India Bill which has been placed on the Paper for this evening?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

I hope it may be possible to take the Bill either tonight or to-morrow.

MR. SEXTON

Have the Government got rid of all desire to advance the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Bill?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

Certainly not.

MR. T. E. ELLIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow the Committee to make further Progress with the Welsh Education Bill to-night?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

I hope we may be able to do so.

MR. BRADLAUGH

Will the Under Secretary for India consent to give the Return I propose to move for in reference to distress in East India, Patna, &c, as an unopposed Return?

SIR J. GORST

I am sorry that I cannot undertake to give the Return asked for; but in the Recess I will obtain full information from India, and lay it on the Table next Session.

MR. J. E. ELLIS

When may we expect the Report of the Royal Grants Committee?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

The Committee has not yet completed its deliberations; but I hope it may finish its labours tomorrow. In that case the Report will be brought up to-morrow and considered on Monday.