HC Deb 07 July 1896 vol 42 cc932-4
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he can say when the Committee stage of the Land Law (Ireland) Bill will be resumed; and, when the Irish Light Railways Bill will be introduced?

MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can state on what day the Committee on the Irish Land Bill will be resumed?

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

In answer to the hon. Gentleman, and also in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for East Mayo, as well as to a Question put to me yesterday by the right hon. Member for Glasgow, I have to say that, so far as I can foresee the course of public business, we shall take the Finance Bill until the Committee stage is finished. I have every reason to believe that that will be finished on Thursday. If that is so, I shall take the Second Reading of the Scotch Rating Bill on Monday. I have made such inquiries as I could with regard to the general wishes of the Gentlemen interested in the Irish Land Bill, and I believe the best plan would be to take that on Monday week, the 20th, for the whole of the week, and, of course, in that week I will make Friday a day for Irish Supply. With regard to the Light Railways Bill, that could be introduced under the Standing Order at the beginning of business on any day that would suit hon. Gentlemen. They might, perhaps, prefer to wait until after the Irish Land Bill. I shall be glad to consult their convenience on the subject.

MR. DILLON

said that with reference to the Irish Land Bill, no inquiry had reached him in reference to the date at which it should be taken. He would ask the right hon. Gentleman whom he consulted about fixing the date of the Land Bill. He should also like to ask the Chief Secretary whether he proposed to put down any other Government Amendments to the Land Bill in addition to those already on the Paper. If so, would the right hon. Gentleman put them down soon, so that hon. Members might have an opportunity of considering them?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

stated that he said originally that the Bill would be brought on about the middle of the month. It could possibly be brought on on Thursday; but it could only be taken that night in the week, because Friday was devoted to Supply. He had been informed that three nights would be sufficient for the Committee stage, but he proposed to devote four—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

MR. DILLON

asked that the Committee stage of the Bill might be commenced on Thursday next week, the Irish Votes in Supply be taken the following day, and the rest of the Committee stage of the Bill the following week.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

said he would consider the matter, and let hon. Members know on the adjournment of the House.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

, referring to Mr. Dillon's Question as to the Government Amendments to the Bill, said there were a few Government Amendments, and he would endeavosur to have them put down in full time to allow of their being considered by hon. Members from Ireland.

MR. KNOX

asked if the Leader of the House was aware that there was a general feeling amongst Irish Members that the sooner the Light Railways Bill was disposed of the better?

MR. W. REDMOND

asked whether, if the Committee stage of the Irish Land Bill was commenced on Thursday week, the Light Railways Bill would be put down for the same day?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

replied that he thought it could be taken sooner.

MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the proximity of the date fixed for the prorogation, and to the congested state of Government business, he can state, for the convenience of Members, what Bills the Government intend to press forward with a view to passing into law; and whether he will discharge the rest from the Order Paper?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

replied that it was premature to make a statement on the subject at present; but at no distant date he would have to ask the House to suspend the 12 o'clock Rule for the rest of the Session, and he might then be able to give further information.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE (Rochester)

asked whether the Education Estimates would be taken on Friday?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Yes.