§ Sir W. HARCOURT (Monmouthshire, W.)May I ask what arrangements the First Lord of the Treasury proposes with regard to Friday's business?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester E.As the House is aware, I arranged, in deference to a wish expressed on behalf of the Opposition, to take the South African Vote next Friday. Since then it appears that it would probably be inexpedient, in view of pending negotiations, that there should be a discussion upon South African affairs at so early a date, and I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has been made acquainted with that fact and has no objection to a change being introduced into the order of our proceedings on Friday. Therefore, under these circumstances, I propose to accede to a request made to me by the Irish Members and to take the Irish Votes instead on Friday. ["Hear, hear !"]
§ SIR W. HARCOURTI can only say that when it was intimated to me that discussion in this House might prejudicially interfere with negotiations going on for the settlement of affairs in South Africa, I had no hesitation in releasing the right hon. Gentleman from his pledge. ["Hear, hear !"]