SITTING OF THE HOUSE (ASH WEDNESDAY). (Hansard, 2 March 1897)

§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY
moved, "That this House do meet To morrow at Two of the clock."

§ MR. HERBERT LEWIS (Flint Boroughs)
protested against what had become more and more of an anachronism. He should ask the First Lord of the Treasury to grant a return showing how many Members had taken advantage of this opportunity to attend church. (Laughter.)

§ MR. SAMUEL EVANS (Glamorgan, Mid)
said that if the Government were anxious to pass their Education Bill, as they professed, they ought to be obliged to any one who protested against the loss of two valuable working hours in to-morrow's sitting. What connection there was between Ash Wednesday and Derby Day he failed to understand. They were anxious to debate the Voluntary Schools Bill. Their anxiety did not spring from the same motives as that of hon. Gentlemen opposite. They were anxious that the country should see as early as possible the monstrosity of this Bill. The Government, on the other hand, said they desired to pass it.

§ *MR. SPEAKER
Order, order! The hon. Member is not speaking to the Question.

§ MR. SAMUEL EVANS
said the Government, by this Motion, were taking-two very useful hours during to-morrow which they themselves had allocated towards the discussion of the Voluntary Schools Bill. If his hon. Friend divided the House, he would be very pleased to tell with him and to vote against the Motion.