§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I wish to ask the First Lord of the Treasury a question as to the course of business. I observe that there are twelve Supplementary Estimates down for to-day, and wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman which Vote does he propose to take first. I also desire to ask him if he can now state positively when he can go on with the Irish Education Bill?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONE (Edinburgh, Midlothian)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, would he be good enough also to give the House some information on the subject of the Small Holdings Bill, because many of us are naturally anxious to know when it is to be again proceeded with?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURMy expectations and hopes with regard to Public Business are of this kind. I think that to-night we ought to pass all the Supplementary Estimates except the Scotch Vote, and we ought also, I think, without difficulty, to pass the Vote on account. If that expectation is realised, and I do not doubt it will be, I will put the Scotch Vote first to-morrow, and in all probability it will be for the convenience of the House that I should to-morrow move the suspension of the Twelve o'Clock Rule, not that I think there is any business really likely to require us to sit after 12 o'clock, but because we must pass a Resolution in Committee of Ways and Means, which might be objected to if the Twelve o'Clock Rule were not suspended; and I do not think it should be in the power of any individual to prevent us getting through that business. On Monday next we propose to read the Small Holdings Bill a second time, and after that we shall have, of course, to carry on the necessary formal work of Supply, as hon. Members know we have to take Report of Supply, and to read the Appropriation Bill a first time. Tuesdays are allocated, by Resolution of the House, either to financial business or the first readings of Bills; and I should hope on Tuesday next to continue the discussion upon the Bill with regard to Irish Education, and to ask the House to read that Bill a first time.
MR. J. G. ELLISWith regard to Vote No. 1, the right hon. Gentleman will not take the Supplementary Estimate to-night.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will not take that Vote to-night. I shall put it down for to-morrow afternoon, not first. Perhaps it may be convenient, though I do not think it necessary, if I were to supplement the statement I have just made by informing the House generally, and the hon. Member for West Belfast in particular, that it will be necessary to take the Report of the Teachers' Pension Fund Vote to-night.