§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman a question with reference to the business down on the Paper for Monday. I may remind the Government of the pledge given before Easter to put down the Navy Building Vote for Monday, and I presume that the idea of the Government is that the general discussion which has been promised shall be taken on the Vote. I wish now to call the attention of the Government to a decision given by the Chairman which greatly restricted the scope of that discussion, and to ask, whether they have in contemplation any method by which that Debate shall at least have the extension promised by the Government, and which I am sure the Government intend to allow?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI was not aware of any recent decision which would narrow the discussion. On the contrary, I understood that there was a general consent in all parts of the House that for convenience of business the discussion should be extended beyond the ordinary scope of the Vote. This has always been done in special cases and in special circumstances under the authority of the Chair.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINPerhaps the Chief Secretary can say whether in the event, which seems to be probable, of the Debate on the Scottish Standing Committee not concluding this night—["Oh, oh!"]—I will go further and say that it is absolutely impossible—will the Government make any change in the arrangements for Monday, or will the Navy Estimates still be taken on Monday?
MR. J. MORLEYI regret that, owing to the absence of the Leader of the House from circumstances of domestic affliction, I cannot answer the question 1461 specifically, but I cannot hold out any hope that there will be an alteration in the arrangement for Monday, whatever may be the fortunes of the Debate this evening.