HC Deb 07 March 1892 vol 2 cc168-9
MR. J. MORLEY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

It would be convenient if the First Lord of the Treasury would state the course of Public Business to-morrow and Thursday.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

In the event of the first Vote of the Army Estimates being finished to-day or to-morrow we propose to take the Indian Councils Bill first on Thursday. If, however, the Vote is not finished we would keep to it. On Friday we shall probably go on with such Supplementary Votes as have not been completed, and hope to succeed in introducing two Bills that have been hung up.

MR. COBB (Warwick, S.E., Rugby)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury whether it would not be more convenient if Ministers were present when questions began?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I must say in reply to the hon. Member that I think it extremely inconvenient that either Ministers or Members should be absent when questions are put. I confess that, from such observations as I have been able to make, the second inconvenience is more frequent than the first. Ministers, however, will endeavour to meet the wishes of the House.

MR. SEXTON

I wish to ask whether it is to be understood that the Debate on the introduction of the Irish Education Bill is not to be resumed until Friday?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Unless the discussion on the first Army Vote is finished to-night, that is so.

MR. SEXTON

Will you make it the first Order?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I will make it the first Order if you so desire it.

MR. W. REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)

I wish to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether it is true, as the rumour is in circulation this afternoon, that in view of the London County Councils' election Her Majesty's Government have resolved to dissolve Parliament?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

In reference to the question of the hon. Member for West Belfast, I am reminded by my right hon. Friend near me that the Chief Secretary for Ireland will not be back to-morrow. It will, therefore, in any circumstances be impossible to take the Bill referred to by the hon. Member to-morrow. I will put it down on Friday as the first Order.

MR. W. REDMOND

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question.

[No reply was given.]