HC Deb 14 May 1896 vol 40 cc1340-1
SIR W. HART DYKE (Kent, Dartford)

May I ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can give the House any information as to the date when the Committee stage of the Education Bill will be taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I cannot give my right hon. Friend any definite information on that subject, but I have already indicated to the House on more than one occasion the general course of public business as far as I have been able to foresee it. I propose that we should go on de die, in diem, with the exception of Fridays, of course, with the discussion of the Rating Bill. After the Rating Bill has been dealt with we shall have, as I have just now stated to the House, to give an opportunity for discussing the question connected with the Indian troops. Then the Second Reading of the Irish Land Bill will probably come on, and after that the Education Bill. Of course that general sketch must not be taken to preclude me from bringing forward non-controversial and minor measures immediately after the Whitsuntide holidays, for example, at a time when the House would not desire to be expected to attend to the more important questions to which I have referred.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

asked when the Finance Bill would be taken in Committee?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I should like to put that down, if I could, before the Whitsuntide holidays. [Opposition laughter.]

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

asked if the Finance Bill would be taken as the First Order when it was taken?

MR. LOUGH

Will it be taken before 12 o'clock?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

No. I cannot give an absolute pledge with regard to the Finance Bill being the First Order, but I can give a pledge that it shall come on at a convenient time.

MR. J. LOWTHER

Will it be proceeded with after 12 o'clock?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Oh, yes. Under the Standing Orders the Bill can be proceeded with after 12 o'clock.

MR. J. LOWTHER

But what I wish to ask is whether, in the case of an important question being raised, it is the intention of the Government to take it after 12 o'clock?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Yes, if there is no objection.

MR. J. LOWTHER

I shall object most strongly. [Opposition cheers.]

MR. J. CARVELL WILLIAMS (Notts, Mansfield)

asked whether next Wednesday would be occupied by Government business.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The House is well aware from my previous statement on the subject that, unless we make much more rapid progress with public business than I have the least ground for anticipating, next Wednesday must be taken.