HC Deb 19 March 1894 vol 22 cc586-7
SIR W. HARCOURT

I said I would mention to-day what the intentions of the Government were with reference to the Business of the House. On Thursday the 29th instant we propose to take the Civil Service Estimates first, and after them the First Readings of the Equalisation of Rates (London) Bill and the Conciliation (Labour Disputes) Bill. On Monday, April 2, we propose to take the Motion for the appointment of the Scotch Grand Committee, the First Reading of the Scotch Local Government Bill, and the First Reading of the Factories Bill. On Thursday, the 5th of April, we propose to take the First Reading of the Electoral and Registration Reform Bills.

MR. A.J. BALFOUR (Manchester, E.)

With regard to the Business for Thursday, the 29th, do the Government propose to adjourn the discussion of the Civil Service Estimates before 12 o'clock, or do they only propose to take the First Readings the right hon. Gentleman mentioned if the particular class of Votes taken comes to an end before midnight?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I believe they are Bills which will not meet with opposition on the First Reading, and we shall hope to get them both. I do not think there is any body of gentlemen on either side of the House who will oppose the First Readings.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think the right hon. Gentleman is quite correct in assuming that there is not the slightest chance of their being opposed, but,: at the same time, we shall desire to have statements made on the introduction of the Bills, and there may possibly be some discussion on those statements. We should like to know, therefore, whether the Government intend to adjourn the business of Supply at some comparatively early hour of the evening, so as to give us time to discuss the statements.

SIR W. HARCOURT

I think that would be quite reasonable.

MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)

When will the Railway Rates Bill be brought forward?

SIR W. HARCOURT

At present I do not think I can say anything with regard to other Bills.