HC Deb 04 February 1891 vol 349 cc1800-2

On the Motion for Adjournment,

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

Perhaps the House will allow me to refer to the arrangements for Public Business. I made a promise that if the Tithe Bill passed through all its stages this week I would give the right hon. Gentleman the Member for New-castle-upon-Tyne the first place on Monday for his Motion with respect to Irish affairs. The Tithe Bill is down for Report to-morrow, and it is therefore necessary, if its stages arc to be concluded this week, that it should also be read a third time on Friday. If, therefore, I ask for a Morning Sitting on Friday, I hope the proposal will be acceptable to right hon. Gentlemen opposite, and I think it will be the most convenient course.

MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)

I beg to give notice that if the right hon. Gentleman makes a Motion for a Morning Sitting on Friday I shall oppose it.

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

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for fulfilling his engagement with regard to Monday. I would remind him that he promised two nights for the discussion of the Motion. May I take this opportunity of asking that the Government will give full notice of their intention to proceed with the Indian Councils Bill?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I will endeavour to do so; communications are, I believe, passing between my hon. Friend and hon. Gentlemen opposite. I trust we may have the assistance of right hon. Gentlemen opposite in our endeavour to keep the engagement for Monday; but if we are driven over to Monday for the Tithes Bill, then I cannot offer the right hon. Gentleman that day.

MR. J. MORLEY

Supposing that catastrophe should happen, would the right hon. Gentleman be content to give me first place on Thursday?

MR. W. H. SMITH

That, of course, would be the only course open to me. But I think it will be more convenient to adhere to the arrangement made, and that it will be seen I have not made an unreasonable proposal.

MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)

With reference to the Irish Bills, will the right hon. Gentleman say in what order it is proposed to take them?

MR. W. H. SMITH

The Money Resolution will be proposed first, and then the Land Purchase Bill will be proceeded with from day to day.