HC Deb 29 August 1895 vol 36 cc1146-8
SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

asked the Leader of the House what would be taken after the three Votes in Class 5, and the Post Office Vote; whether the Navy Votes would be then taken, and if so, what provision would be made for the Army Votes?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

There are three Votes in class 5, and the Post Office Vote, which must be taken before we finally dispose if the Civil Service Estimates. The original plan of the Government was, that after the Civil Service Estimates were disposed of, the Navy Estimates should be taken. I may mention to the House that if they are prepared to take the discussion on the Army Votes with the Speaker in the Chair, on the Report stage on Saturday, probably every opportunity would be given, if the House desires it, for the discussion of the important questions raised by the Army Estimates this year, and we should thus gain an additional day's holiday. Of course that is not a plan which the Government would think of forcing upon the House if it were not the general wish.

MR. J. H. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)

asked, when the Post Office Vote would be taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

was understood to say on Friday.

SIR C. DILKE

said, in any case, whether that arrangement was agreed to or not, he hoped the Government would not attempt to force through the War Office Vote or the Army Estimates, on which the ammunition question might be discussed, at an inconvenient hour on Friday night.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Of course I cannot be at all sure that the time left on Friday night, after the disposal of the remaining Votes on the Civil Service Estimates, will enable that Vote to be discussed at a convenient hour, but, whether convenient or not, we hope that possibly it may be taken that night. I will make a statement on the subject at a later stage.

MR. STRACHEY (Somerset, S.)

asked if the second reading of the West Highland Railway Bill would be taken on Friday, in view of the statements made on the previous night as to its contentious character?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

understood that the Navy Estimates would be taken.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

said, he had endeavoured to collect the general view of Members on both sides.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

trusted the Navy Estimates would not come on at an inconveniently late hour.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Yes.

SIR CHARLES DILKE

said, perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would bear in mind the Army Estimates, on which it would be necessary to discuss the important statement of Lord Lansdowne.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would bear in mind that the Navy Estimates were quite as important as the Army Estimates.