HC Deb 03 March 1893 vol 9 cc980-1

SUPPLY—considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

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

I beg, Mr. Mellor, to draw your attention to the fact that there are no copies of the Supplementary Estimates to be obtained in the office. It is, I think, perfectly impossible to discuss the Estimates in the circumstances, and unless some remedy can be devised, I hold that Progress ought to be reported.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (Mr. MELLOR,) York, W.R., Sowerby

That is not a question of Order. It is for the Committee to decide whether they will proceed to consider the Estimates or not.

DR. CLARK (Caithness)

Why cannot copies be obtained?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

I am surprised to hear that copies of the Estimates are not procurable, for any amount were to be had last night.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

They were exhausted by 10 o'clock.

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

I understand that the usual number of copies were supplied, but I suppose they have been exhausted in consequence of an unusual demand. I will send to the printers for additional copies at once. I have no doubt there are plenty there.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

How soon?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

I said at once.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

But how soon may they be expected?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

I have no doubt that there are a sufficient number of copies in the hands of hon. Members to justify the Committee in proceeding. I will take steps to have other copies sent to the House immediately.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is extremely difficult to carry on the Estimates without the copies.

MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy,&c.)

Have not the Supplementary Estimates been circulated in the ordinary course to every Member of the House?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

Certainly. Copies were circulated in the usual way on Monday.

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