HC Deb 24 July 1890 vol 347 cc726-7
MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will enable the House to perform one of its primary duties, namely, that of controling the expenditure of public money, by arranging that next Session the Estimates shall be laid before it as soon as is possible after the Address is voted, and on regular days?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

The hon. Member attributes to me greater power than I possess. I am in general agreement with him in the desire he expresses that Estimates should be considered and voted as soon as possible, but it rests with hon. Members to afford the opportunity by imposing upon themselves reasonable limitation of discussion on the legislative proposals which it may be the duty of the Government to lay before Parliament.

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

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman wishes to depart from his former statement that it is desirable to take Supply early in the Session?

* MR. W. H. SMITH

No, Sir, certainly not; but I must ask for the assistance of the House generally.

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