HC Deb 16 July 1897 vol 51 cc307-8
MR. STRACHEY (Somerset, S.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury on what day the Local Government Board Vote will be taken?

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

In answer to the hon. Member's Question, I must in the first place remind him that on March 25th, in deference to the general views of the House, the Government took a Local Government Board item first and the Vote on Account afterwards. A long discussion took place with reference to the proceedings of the Local Government Board. The Vote is down again for to-night, but I think, perhaps, that under the circumstances the House will be of opinion that it has already received its fair share of attention this session. ["Hear, hear !"]

MR. ERNEST GRAY

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the recently published Report of the Departmental Committee on Science and Art Grants, and the proposals therein contained for distributing such grants, he will put down the Science and Art Vote on an early date, so that criticisms may be submitted on the new regulations before they are put into force?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The time for to-night, Monday, and Friday next, is already allocated to certain Votes in Supply, and I am afraid that I cannot go beyond those three days in prophesying the order in which the Votes shall be put down. I will, however, do my best to meet the wishes of hon. Members in the matter.

MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

asked whether, in the event of the Colonial Vote not being reached on Monday, the right hon. Gentleman would say on what day it would be taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

No; I cannot give any promise of that kind, but I hope that the House will allow the Vote to be taken on Monday, and for that purpose not to carry on the discussion on foreign affairs at any undue length. ["Hear, hear!"]