HC Deb 30 July 1897 vol 51 cc1607-8
SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in the arrangements for Votes in Supply, he will arrange that a full opportunity is given for discussing the Colonial Office Vote?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I do not myself see that there is much prospect of time being afforded for the further discussion of the Colonial Vote. The hon. Baronet will remember that the Vote was brought on about a quarter past ten a few nights ago and that there was a discussion of two hours on it on that occasion. And I must further remind the hon. Baronet that we have discussed, not indeed the Colonial Vote, but questions intimately connected with the Colonies during a whole night since that period. I have received very strong representations from hon. Gentlemen below the Gang way opposite in favour of the discussion of other Votes, and I think that the latter should have precedence. ["Hear, hear!"]

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that, with the exception of two hours' discussion the other night, there had been no discussion upon the Colonial Vote since May 1890?

MR. T. M. HEALY

asked whether it was not the fact that a large number of Irish Votes, including the Constabulary Vote and the Vote for the Chief Secretary, had been so far entirely undiscussed?

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the importance of the statement which the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary for the Colonies made last Monday as to the South African policy of the Government, he would not give the House an opportunity of discussing it?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I confess that the opinion which I have already expressed in reference to this point, so far from being shaken by what the hon. Baronet has just said, is confirmed by it. If the object of the hon. Baronet is to make a debating reply to the speech of the right hon. Gentleman the other night, I can only say that I think that it would be very inexpedient to afford an opportunity for further discussing the Vote. ["Hear, hear!"]