§
Motion made, and Question proposed:—
That a sum, not exceeding £22,036, be granted to Her Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March 1897, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Offices of the House of Commons.
MR. MCLEODsaid he had already objected to this Vote being taken without discussion. One matter he wished to raise was the dismissal of Mr. John Bull. [A laugh, and "That must be raised on the House of Lords Vote."] He thought it could be raised on this Vote. He, however, objected to the Vote being taken.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYhoped the hon. Gentleman would not persist. He had not put down the House of Lords Vote, because he understood there were some questions hon. Members wished to raise.
MR. MCLEODsaid there was an important question to be raised upon the Vote, and that was the way in which the officers of the House were being worked. If it was to be an established rule that the suspension of the Twelve o'clock Rule—
*THE CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANSsaid that the hon. Gentleman could not enter upon such a question on this Vote.
§ MR. LEWISwished to raise a question if the Leader of the House intended to insist on taking the Vote.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYsaid he would not press the Vote if it was really opposed.
§ MR. HERBERT LEWISasked whether it would not be possible to have attached to the House an officer whose duty it would be to inform Members what business was in progress. [Laughter.]
§ *MR. HANBURYsaid the whole arrangements of the House were under a Special Committee or commission consisting of the Speaker and high officers, and, therefore, he could make no promise. He would see, however, that the matter was mentioned to the Committee.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ The following Votes were agreed to without discussion:—
§ 7. £42, to complete the sum for the Mint, including Coinage.
§ 8. £4,500, to complete the sum for Public Works Loan Commission.
§ 9. £27,266, to complete the sum for Registrar General's Office, England.
§ 10. £36,850, to complete the sum for Works and Public Buildings Office.
§ 11. £14,000, to complete the sum for Secret Service.