HC Deb 22 February 1892 vol 1 cc907-8
SIR GEORGE O. TREVELYAN (Glasgow, Bridgeton)

I should like to ask the First Lord of the Treasury after what hour he will not take the Bill for the application and distribution of the grant to Scotland, and also whether he has noticed that the Scotch Bill has been moved from the first place on the Paper, and there are now two other Bills in front of it, and if he will take into consideration the convenience of Scotch Members in the matter?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)

I thought the Scotch Members would have preferred discussing the Bill when they have it in their hands. This is a matter on which there has been much discussion among Members in all parts of the House, and the proposals which my right hon. and learned Friend will lay before the House are of great interest; and I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not resist the Bill being read a first time to-night, as the sooner it is read a first time the sooner it will be printed and in the hands of Members.

SIR GEORGE TREVELYAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me an hour after which the Bill will not be taken?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It will not be taken after half-past 11 o'clock. If it be taken by that time, it will give ample time for my right hon. Friend to explain the Bill to the House.

MR. J. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

May I ask when the First Lord of the Treasury will make a general statement as to the business during the next few days; and when the Irish Estimates will be taken, as this would be for the convenience of Irish Members?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I hope that on Thursday next if we are able, and I trust we shall be, to introduce the important Bill which is put down on the Paper to-night, we shall take the Supplementary Estimates; and if they are got through, as I think they might be, in the course of the evening on Monday next, I should take the Indian Councils Bill which has come down from the Lords to-night, which is very urgently required, and which will no doubt require some discussion. As the hon. Member knows, there will be a good deal of Supply to get through at this time of the year, and the Bill, other than the Indian Council, which I desire to press forward, is the Bill which will be introduced first to-night by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

MR. DILLON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will, on Thursday or Monday, make a more general statement as to the course of business, especially in regard to the Irish Estimates? It would be a great convenience to Irish Members.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

On Thursday.