HC Deb 03 August 1896 vol 43 cc1355-6
* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury—(1) what course he intends to take with regard to the Military Works Bill promised in February last; and (2) whether that Bill contains, in addition to necessary Military works, works such as those for protecting harbours for cruisers, deemed necessary for Naval purposes by the Admiralty?

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

The answer to the second paragraph of the Question is in the affirmative. With regard to the first paragraph, I believe that the Leader of the Opposition took some constitutional, or quasi constitutional, objection to a Bill of this character being introduced so late in the Session, and the Government therefore propose to postpone it till next Session.

SIR C. DILKE

With a view to its passing before the end of the financial year?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Yes.