BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE (GOVERNMENT BUSINESS,) (Hansard, 15 August 1894)

§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EX-CHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) Derby
I desire to give notice that to-morrow I will move, as is usual when the legislative business of the Session has practically reached an end, the following Resolution: — That, for the remainder of the Session, Government Business be not interrupted under the provisions of any Standing Order regulating the Sittings of the House; and may be entered upon at any hour, though past 12 o'clock; but that as soon as Government Business be disposed of Mr. Speaker do adjourn the House without Question put,

COLONEL NOLAN
asked whether that would apply to the Coercion Act? He hoped that an exception would be made in favour of the Bill for the Repeal of the Crimes Act.

§ SIR W. HARCOURT
was afraid that no Bills whatever could be spared. The Rule must be inflexible.

§ MR. A.J. BALFOUR
said, he had no objection to the Motion. On the contrary, he approved of it. But he hoped the House would not be asked to sit at undue length, and that if an important Vote came on at 12 o'clock the Government would not insist upon its being discussed, but would go on to less controversial Votes until the House thought the time for adjournment had arrived.

§ SIR W. HARCOURT
said, that he was desirous of consulting the wishes of hon. Members on the other side of the House.

§ SIR R. TEMPLE
asked whether a Saturday Sitting would take place.

§ SIR W. HARCOURT
said, he ought to have mentioned that it was the intention of the Government to endeavour to make progress with Supply on Saturday, in order that the House might adjourn in the course of next week.

§ SIR R. TEMPLE
asked whether the Saturday Sitting would be regulated by the Wednesday Rule?

SIR W. HARCOUKT
said, it would be au ordinary Sitting.

§ MR. A. J. BALFOUR
said, that he should not object to that proposal, if the Government did not attempt to make the Saturday Sitting prolonged.

§ SIR W. HARCOURT
Oh, no.

MR. T. M. HEALY
asked whether the automatic adjournment would apply before as well as after 12 o'clock? If Government business were concluded before midnight private Members ought to have the chance of utilising the time.

§ SIR W. HARCOURT
said, that he would consider the question, but he had not contemplated Supply being concluded before midnight.

§ MR. A. J. BALFOUR
pointed out that the House was not fit to discuss Private Bills at this stage of the Session, and he hoped therefore on that account that the proposed concession would not be made.