§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.moved:—
That Standing Order 11 be suspended and the provisions of Standing Order 56 be extended to the sitting of the House this day.In moving this Resolution he hardly thought that any explanation was required. The House was aware that on 801 the previous day it had been proposed to take certain Government business, it being a day allotted by the Rules of the House for the purpose. But, in the exercise of their undoubted right, hon. Gentlemen opposite initiated a Debate which lasted to within an hour of midnight, the ordinary time for suspension of business. Practically, therefore, the whole of the Government time was taken up with a matter which had nothing to do with the ordinary progress of Government business. The Government, therefore, thought themselves justified in asking the House to afford them this privilege with regard to the business for the day, and the proposal would not operate to the prejudice of private Members, inasmuch as—Friday being allocated as a rule to Motions on the order for the Speaker's leaving the chair—he believed there were no Motions down in the name of any private Member. Under the circumstances he hoped the House would agree, without prolonged Debate, to the Motion he now made.
§ Motion agreed to.