HC Deb 28 May 1894 vol 24 cc1423-4
MR. J. E. ELLIS

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the magnitude of the financial proposals of the Government, to the time which may reasonably be occupied by the Finance Bill in its further stages, and to the desirability that the decision of the House shall be taken upon its provisions without unnecessary delay, the Government will take steps to enable it to be taken at once and continuously?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) Derby

In answer to my hon. Friend, I have to state that Her Majesty's Government intend to ask the House to place further time at its disposal. I will place the Notice of Motion upon that subject upon the Paper to-morrow.

LORD R. CHURCHILL (Paddington, S.)

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Mines (Eight Hours) Bill, carried by a majority of 87, a pledge as to which was given, will be excluded?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I trust it will not be excluded, but I will defer any statement until the proper time.

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

I suppose the discussion will be put down for Thursday?

SIR W. HARCOURT

Yes. There will be ample time given to consider it, as I will put down the Notice to-morrow. I may add that, as I understand some gentlemen wish to make some remarks on the Report of the Vote on Account, I shall put down a Notice to suspend the Twelve o'Clock Rule to-morrow, and I will undertake to bring the Report on at 11 o'clock, so as to give ample time. I understand that that is the desire of hon. Gentlemen.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The right hon. Gentleman is quite right. I happen to know that various Members felt themselves cut out rather on Friday night, and they desire to raise various points upon the Report. I am sorry that one of them, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sleaford, is obliged to be away to-morrow, and I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to alter his arrangement. [Cries of "No, no!"]