§ MR. J. MORLEYasked the Leader of the House what the business was for next Thursday—whether the Budget would be taken and also whether it would be convenient for him to take the South African Vote on Friday, the 21st?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI cannot give an absolute pledge as to Thursday, but I think it is very likely that the Budget will be taken. With regard to Friday week, I shall be very glad to meet the right hon. Gentleman's wishes, which, I understand, are the wishes also of the Leader of the Opposition and of the House generally. The South African Vote shall be put down first for that day.
MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)supposed that the Finance Bill would not be taken before Thursday.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYsaid he could not even give an absolute promise on that, but he thought it unlikely.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSON (.Manchester, N.E.)asked whether the second reading of the Workmen (Compensation for 394 Accidents) Bill was absolutely fixed for Monday?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYreplied in the affirmative.
§ MR. T. LOUGH (Islington, W.)asked if there was any intention of taking Supply to-night?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYsaid that if they got as far as Supply he should propose to take it.
§ MR. WEIRdesired to know whether the First Lord was now in a position to make any statement with regard to the introduction of the Bill for the congested districts of the Highlands and islands of Scotland?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYsaid he had no statement to make on the subject at present. He desired to add to his previous answer on the subject that in no case would the Finance Bill be taken to-night.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLasked if the right hon. Gentleman had any statement to make with regard to the Poor Relief (Ireland) Bill?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYsaid he had not.