HC Deb 25 March 1895 vol 32 cc47-8
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what day the Vote on Account would be taken, and when it was expected that the Second Reading of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill would be completed?

SIR W. HARCOURT

I was just going to make a statement to the House on the subject. I have reason to hope that the Debate on the Welsh Bill may be closed to-morrow night, and for that purpose I shall give notice of the suspension of the Twelve o'clock Rule to-morrow With reference to the Vote on Account, it must be taken on Thursday night. It is necessary to have the Report on the Vote on Friday in order to get the necessary financial authority before the close of the financial year. I shall propose to give those two days to the Vote on Account and the Report.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

remarked that the could nospeak with authority in the absence of the Leader of the Opposition. He might say, however, that he had carefully watched the Debate; he had seen a great desire on both sides to address the House; the issues were very important, and had been largely widened by the speeches of the Home Secretary and other hon. Members, and he did not think it possible fairly to conclude the Debate to-morrow night.

SIR W. HARCOURT

said, he had the greatest desire to consult the convenience of hon. Gentlemen opposite. He had communicated with the Leader of the Opposition, but as he had received no reply ho supposed the right hon. Gentleman was out of town. He had reason to believe that there was a general desire that the Debate should conclude to-morrow night. He should be very glad to communicate with hon. Gentlemen opposite on the subject, and perhaps later on they would be able to give him an answer.

MR. E. F. VESEY KNOX

asked when the Irish Land Bill would be taken.

SIR W. HARCOURT

replied that that would depend upon the answer to the question when the Debate on the Welsh Bill was to terminate.

MR. G. C. T. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Will the Land Bill come before the Local Veto Bill or after it?

SIR W. HARCOURT

That, again, will depend upon the answer to the question I have already indicated.