HC Deb 22 February 1897 vol 46 cc880-1
MR. DALZIEL

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the cause of the delay in the issue of the Navy Estimates; and can he state when they will be in the hands of Members?

MR. MACARTNEY

There has been no unusual delay in issuing the Navy Estimates. During the last ten years they have only been issued on two occasions in the month of February—on the 25th and 27th of that month. It is hoped that they will be in the hands of Members on Monday, March 1st.

MR. DALZIEL

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is not the established custom, if not absolutely the rule of the House, that Navy Estimates should be issued within ten days of the setting up of Supply?

MR. MACARTNEY

No, Sir.

MR. DALZIEL

It is.

MR. MACARTNEY

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman refers to the circulation of the Navy Estimates.