HC Deb 29 March 1889 vol 334 cc1150-1
MR. SAMUEL SMITH (Flintshire)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether, to obtain due consideration of the question of the condition of the poor in large towns, in respect of which the Motion of the hon. Member for Nottingham stands first on Tuesday next, he will refrain from putttng down Government Business for a Morning Sitting of the House on that day?

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

I am aware of the importance attached to this matter by hon. Gentlemen; and I am most anxious that it should proceed to a most ample discussion in this House. But I must remind the hon. Member that the House has virtually appropriated Tuesday mornings to Supply, until Supply is finished, unless urgent Government Business in- tervenes; and I should not be justified in asking the House to forgo that Order under all the circumstances of the case. But I am of opinion that a condensed debate is more satisfactory in such a matter than a discursive one that may extend over the whole evening, although I admit that the subject is one of great importance.

MR. J. MORLEY (Newcastle-on-Tyne)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, under these circumstances, he will not, as the Government have taken the Morning Sitting, do his best to secure the attendance of hon. Members at 9 o'clock?

*MR. W. H. SMITH

Certainly, I will endeavour to do that, and I hope to be in my place myself.

MR. CHILDERS (Edinburgh, S.)

Let me point out that the Order as to Morning Sittings only goes up to Easter.

*MR. W. H. SMITH

I accept the correction. It may be necessary to make further arrangements after Easter.