§
7. That a sum, not exceeding £1,330,323, be granted to Her Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge whit will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1899, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Inland Revenue Department.
§
Read a second time, and agreed to.
8. That a sum, not exceeding £5,402,250 be granted to Her Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1899, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Post Office Services, the Expenses of Post Office Savings Banks, and Government Annuities and Insurances, and the Collection of the Post Office Revenue.
§
Read a second time, and agreed to.
9. That a sum, not exceeding £606,350, be granted to Her Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1899, for the Expense of the Post Office Packet Service.
§
Read a second time, and agreed to.
10. That a sum, not exceeding £2,283,453, be granted to Her Majesty, to complete the
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sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1899, for the Salaries and Working Expenses of the Post Office Telegraph Service.
§
Read a second time, and amended, by leaving out "£2,283,453," and inserting "£2,283,153," and agreed to.
11. That a sum, not exceeding £575,600, be granted to Her Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1899, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Customs Department.
§ Read a second time, and agreed to.
§ MR. GRAY (West Ham, N.)I do not propose to detain the House more than a single moment; but I think I ought to take the opportunity of making this explanation. We had hoped to be able to press upon the Secretary to the Treasury the necessity for reforms in this service; but I fully realise that at this late period of the year, and at this late hour of the night, it would be most unwise to press the matter now—unwise with regard to the House, and also unwise in the interests of the men in the service; and I believe that they will agree with me when they realise the circumstances in which the Vote is placed. I would venture to hope that while foregoing our right to criticise this Vote this year, we may be able to rely that it will be placed on the Paper next year at an earlier period of the Session, when it may receive proper discussion.
Whereupon, in pursuance of the Order of the House of the 18th day of this instant July, Mr. Speaker adjourned the House without Question put.
§ Adjourned accordingly at 12.45.