§ MR. A. C. MORTON (Peterborough)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will consider the advisability of giving one day in each week to Supply, so that the ordinary business of the country may make some progress?
§ DR. MACGREGORMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will not more effectively apply the weapons forged by his adversaries to push on Home Rule?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEI would be very thankful to anyone who would put a weapon in my hands—provided it is one that could be becomingly used—which would have the effect of pushing on the Government of Ireland Bill. In answer to the question of my hon. Friend below the Gangway, I do not think I could make a periodical application of that kind with advantage to the House. The state of our arrangements must be governed mainly by the exigencies of the Public Service, and it will be necessary shortly to have a brief suspension of the proceedings on the Irish Bill in order to obtain money for the Public Service. We propose, therefore, to take the Navy 1350 Estimates on Monday next and the Army Estimates on Tuesday. Those two days will necessarily be taken out of the scope of the proceedings of the Irish Bill. Due notice will be given of the particular Votes which are to be taken.
§ MR. MACFARLANEWith a view to prolong the time at the disposal of the Government for Public Business, will the right hon. Gentleman move to suspend the Twelve o'Clock Rule?
§ [No answer was given.]