HC Deb 23 June 1896 vol 41 cc1692-4
MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether he can, for the convenience of Members, make a statement with reference to the course of business during the remainder of the Session.

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

The hon. Gentleman asked me yesterday if I would make some statement to-day. This, of course, is not a period of the Session at which a complete statement as regards the remaining business of the Session could be asked for or could be given. I can state, however, for the convenience of the House, that after the proceedings on the next stage of the Rating Bill are concluded, we shall proceed with the Finance Bill, and, after the Committee stage of the Finance Bill is finished, we shall take the Light Railways Bill. I hold myself, however, at liberty to take a day for the discussion of the Indian troops question. Further, it may be necessary to find time for the Resolution on the Uganda Railway before the stages of the Bills I have mentioned are finally concluded. That will give the House an indication of what the work will be for some few days to come. I imagine that the hon. Gentleman who put the Question is anxious more especially about the Irish Land Bill. He, I think, made a statement the other day to the effect that three or four days would suffice for it.

MR. DILLON

I said that, so far as we were concerned, we would endeavour to get it through Committee in three or four days.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

After that declaration I suppose we may have a reasonable hope of getting the Bill through all its stages in this House in four or five days. Five days I propose to give; I cannot promise more, but that amount of time I can promise.

MR. DILLON

It would be a convenience to know when we may have these five days.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

It depends, of course, upon the progress we make with other business. We should endeavour to take them somewhere about the middle of next month, in a week in which the Irish Estimates can be put down. I will endeavour to meet, as far as I can, the convenience of Irish Members. What I have said is to be taken rather as a statement of intention than as an absolute pledge.

MR. W. JOHNSTON

I hope the right Hon. Gentleman will not take them about the 12th July.[Laughter.]

MR. J. HAVELOCK WILSON (Middlesbrough)

asked whether an opportunity could be found of bringing on the Mines Bill this Session?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I have hopes of being able to pass the Mines Bill now that it is lightened of what I understand are the only contentious clauses.

SIR GEORGE TREVELYAN (Glasgow, Bridgeton)

said the right hon. Gentleman had promised an answer about this time with regard to the Scotch Rating Bill. It was important it should be introduced so that it might be considered in Scotland before it was discussed in the House.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The Scotch Rating Bill could not, of course, be taken till after the Finance Bill and the Light Railways Bill. It would perhaps be convenient if it could be brought in some day at four o'clock, with a short statement and a single reply. If that course could be adopted the introduction might be expedited; I will think it over.

MR. LEWIS

asked when it was proposed to take the Military Manœuvres Bill?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Not at present, Sir.

DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)

asked what Supply would be taken on Friday.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The Navy and Army Estimates.

MR. C. FENWICK (Northumberland, Wansbeck)

said that in answer to previous questions he had been told the Employers' Liability Bill would be introduced this Session. He therefore wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there was now any reasonable hope of being able this Session to proceed with that Measure.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

No, Sir; there is no hope of being able to proceed with that Bill.