HC Deb 06 May 1892 vol 4 cc283-4
DR. CLARK (Caithness)

I wish to ask when it is the intention of the Government to take the Financial Relations (England, Scotland, and Ireland) Motion of the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I understood it was to be taken at six tonight; but it is not on the Paper, and cannot therefore come on.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The hon. Member is perfectly within his right in putting this question. I regret that I have been unable to make any definite arrangements in regard to the Motion owing to the indisposition of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

DR. CLARK

When will it be taken?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

As the House, is aware, the Business to be taken next week is the Small Holdings Bill. On Monday there will be a discussion on Scotch University Ordinances. I am willing to suspend the Debate on Tuesday night at six o'clock, and to take the Financial Relations Motion between that time and the suspension of the Sitting at seven o'clock.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

Will it be possible to deal with such a subject, in the short time of the Session that remains?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not see why we cannot deal with the subject. I admit that it is an extensive one, but I do not think it needs prolonged discussion.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Government will give such time as will render the investigations of the Committee, which it is proposed to appoint on the subject, useful; also whether the Committee are likely to conclude their investigations during the present Parliament?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have hardly the material at my disposal to give an answer to the question of the hon. Member.