§ MR. JOHN DILLON (Mayo, E.)Possibly the Chief Secretary would be willing now to make the statement in reference to the Irish Land Bill which, in reply to a Question put by me last night, he promised he would make tonight on the adjournment of the House, because the Finance Bill is down for tonight, and it is possible that the discussion on that Measure may go on until such an hour to-night that it would not be convenient for him to make the announcement be promised?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI would gladly comply with the hon. Gentleman's request; but before I make the statement I should like to ascertain a little more of the views of hon. Gentlemen opposite. [Laughter.]
§ MR. DILLONWould the right hon. Gentleman say, if he does not get the opportunity of making the statement to-night, he will make it at the commencement of public business to-morrow?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes, Sir; if I am unable to make the statement to-night, will try to meet the wishes of hon. Gentlemen and make the statement to-morrow.
§ MR. JOHN MORLEY (Montrose Burghs)I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree with me that it would be highly inconvenient to leave an important announcement of this sort in doubt as to when it will be made; and does he not think it would be better to put it off definitely until the commencement of public business to-morrow? ["Hear, hear!"]
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes, Sir; if that is the general wish, I will agree to it. ["Hear, hear!"]
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)I wish to ask the Chief Secretary whether he would postpone the Vote on the Land Commission in Supply until we make further progress with the Land Bill?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI will communicate with my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury on the matter; but, at all events, I can undertake that the Vote will not be taken next Friday.