HC Deb 27 July 1897 vol 51 cc1241-3
THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The House may remember that when I made a statement about business I said that there were a certain number of quite uncontentious private Bills which would be cut out by the rule I proposed to the House, unless they were technically made Government Orders. I have made inquiries and consulted gentlemen on both sides of the House, and perhaps I may be permitted to enumerate the Bills which, as far as I know, are regarded generally as quite uncontentious. There is the Infant Life Protection Bill which has passed the Standing Committee; the Archdeaconry of London Bill, which is in progress in Committee; the Yorkshire Coroners Bill, also in progress; the District Councils Water Supply Bill, which is in Committee; and the Licensing (Scotland) Amendment Bill. There is one Bill of a purely permissive characters which has been strongly pressed upon me as important for two or three counties in England—a Bill giving facilities to the district councils to make arrangements with the county councils about making roads; and I am informed that the Local Government Board approve of it. If these Bills could be passed without opposition it would be for the general convenience.

SIR HENRY FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)

asked whether the Local Government Board had approved of the District Council Water Supply Bill? If it were so, he should not object to the Bill proceeding.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

said that he would inquire. The Bill had reached the Committee stage, and had therefore passed second reading after midnight.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Is it the fact that not a single Bill affecting Ireland will pass this House in the Jubilee year?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

No, Sir. At all events I hope that the Judicature Bill will be passed. [Ironical Nationalist laughter.]

SIR CHARLES CAMERON (Glasgow, Bridgeton)

asked what Bills would be taken to-morrow, and in what order?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The Scotch Bills will come first. I have not netted the order.

SIR CHARLES CAMERON

said that the remaining clauses of the Public Health (Scotland) Bill would be got through Committee quickly and it would be a convenience if that Bill were taken first.

Mr. J. CALDWELL (Lanark Mid.)

I believe it will be taken first. [Much laughter.]

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)

asked when the report on the Foreign Office would be, taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I propose taking Report of Supply to-night, and if it is not concluded, again on Thursday. It is simply a question for the House to determine how much time it will devote to the Votes and how much to Report. If progress is made in Supply I shall be glad to bring on the Report of the Foreign Office Vote at a convenient hour