§ MR. J. MORLEY (Newcastle upon-Tyne)I would ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether it will be convenient to him to state what will be the course of business for the week; and whether, in view of the large number of Members who wish to take part in the debate on the Irish Land Purchase Bill, he will allow the Debate to be continued at the Morning Sitting on Tuesday?
§ MR. LABOUCHEREI hope the right hon. Gentleman will take into consideration the fact that a large number of Members on this side entertain root and branch objections to the principle of the Bill.
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHI have no doubt that there are Members on the Opposition Benches who entertain root and branch objections to the Bill; but they have had two nights on which to express their objections, and it does not necessitate a very long Debate in order that expression may be given to objections of that character. The Government are of opinion that the four nights' Debate 1540 which has been arranged for is ample for the expression of opinion on both sides of the House; but if the right hon. Gentleman and his friends desire to extend the Debate by devoting Tuesday morning to it I will not resist the appeal. For myself, judging from the able speeches that have already been delivered, I think it is hardly possible to add much to what has been said already. In the event of the Debate being continued on Tuesday morning, the Government will expect that it will be concluded, in accordance with the understanding already arrived at, on Thursday; and I hope that, in these circumstances, we may proceed with the Allotments Bill on Friday morning.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Indian Councils Bill will be taken; the answer he has just given seems to preclude its being taken this week?
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHNot this week; and the Budget Bill will, I am afraid, occupy the greater part of next week.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHWill the right hon. Gentleman say it will not be taken until after next week? It will be convenient to many Members to know.
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHI will undertake it shall not be taken this or next week.
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHrising again: Having regard to the interests involved in the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill, it is desirable that it should be read a second time as soon as possible; and if an understanding can be arrived at that it shall be read a second time on Friday, I should be glad to take it instead of the Allotments Bill. I think it would be a public convenience if that could be done.
§ SIR W. HARCOURT (Derby)Has the Bill been distributed?
§ MR. GOSCHENI believe the Bill is printed, and that it will be in the Vote Office this evening, and distributed to-morrow morning.
§ SIR W. HARCOURTSurely the right hon. Gentleman does not expect that we can undertake that a Bill not yet issued shall be read a second time on Friday.
§ SIR W. LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the Bill for dealing with public house licences will be before the House?
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHI have already said I hope the Bill will be in the hands of Members this week.