HC Deb 01 February 1897 vol 45 cc1027-8

On the Motion that the House do adjourn,

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

said: It may be convenient to the House that I should state that, as we were unable to finish the Committee stage of the Education Resolution to-night, I shall ask the House to give the Government facilities for finishing the matter to-morrow night.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

asked whether the right hon-Gentleman was aware that on the Notice Paper there was a matter of an important character for to-morrow, and whether, if he appropriated a private Members' day so soon in the Session he would be willing to give facilities for the consideration of this important matter at some future period of the Session. It was very hard upon Members who had been fortunate in the ballot to have their opportunity taken away from them.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I think it is very hard, and I would much rather be discussing or listening to the discussion of my hon. Friend's Motion than hearing the same arguments on this matter repeated ad nauseam: but I have no choice.

MR. LOUGH

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether as great interest was taken on both sides of the House in this important matter, it was his intention, if the Debate was not finished to morrow to go on on Wednesday and Thursday, or whether he would insist on the division to-morrow.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Oh, I hope we shall finish tomorrow.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

I must protest against the language held by the right hon. Gentleman. In the discussion to-night a large amount of the condemnation of his Resolution came from his own supporters, and yet the right hon. Gentleman says that was a repetition of arguments ad nauseam. In my opinion that is not proper language to address to either side of the House. I venture to say that if he expected to dispose of such a question as this in a single night's discussion he is entirely misapprehending the whole character of this Bill, and the necessity of the country understanding what the operation of the Bill will be, When he tells us he is going to rush this Bill through in a single night's discussion, with the amount of differences of opinion which has been exhibited to-night, I must say the right hon. Gentleman has formed a very erroneous judgment of the character of the Bill, and of the manner it is likely to be dealt with in the House of Commons.

House adjourned at a Quarter before One o'clock.