HC Deb 14 September 1893 vol 17 cc1155-6
MR. TALBOT (Oxford University)

Will the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill be taken to-night?

SIR W. HARCOURT

It will not be taken to-night.

MR. TALBOT

Will it be taken this week?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I hope so.

MR. TALBOT

As I wish to draw attention to parts of certain Acts to be included in the Bill, I should be glad to know when the Bill is to be taken? We were told on Monday by the Secretary to the Treasury that the Bill would be taken to-night, and some of us are here at some inconvenience. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman now name a day for taking it?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I am endeavouring to consult the convenience of the House, and I thought it better we should first dispose of Bills on which no discussion is likely to arise. We could take the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill when we have more time at our disposal.

MR. TALBOT

I quite agree with that, but I think we are entitled to a little notice as to when the Bill is to be token.

SIR W. HARCOURT

I think I can relieve the hon. Member's mind for this week, at any rate.

MR. TOMLLNSON

May I ask whether, in order to prevent the overburdening of hon. Members, the right hon. Gentleman will move the Adjournment of the House directly the Government Business has been completed?

SIR W. HARCOURT

That is my intention.

MR. J. LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

I hope during the remainder of the Session.

MR. BARTLEY

Will the Savings Banks Bill be taken to-night?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I hope it will be taken to-night. The right hon. Gentleman the Member for St. George's, Hanover Square, suggested it might be dealt with as non-controversial if an agreement could be come to with the bankers. Negotiations have been going on with the bankers, and I yesterday received an assurance from them that they are satisfied with the agreement that has been come to with the Government to alter the figure from £100 to £50 as the limit of the annual deposit. It therefore may be taken that the bankers have agreed to the Bill as amended in that sense, and I hope there will be no opposition to it.

SIR A. ROLLIT (Islington, S.)

Is it intended to take the Merchant Shipping Bill to-night?

SIR W. HARCOURT

Yes; I have received a communication from the Chamber of Shipping expressing a hope that the Second Reading will be taken, so that it may be considered by a Committee during the Recess.