HC Deb 17 June 1898 vol 59 cc582-3
SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH (Lancashire, Clitheroe)

May I ask the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is proposed to take the Navy Estimates?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY

In reply to the right honourable Gentleman I will tell the House precisely how matters stand. As the House may have gathered from certain observations which I made on the 7th June, the question of some addition to our shipbuilding programme has, in consequence of certain circumstances to which I need not further allude, been under the consideration of the Government for some time past, and I am naturally anxious to secure the most authentic as well as the fullest and most detailed information before placing any further proposals before the House. This and other public reasons have made it desirable not to take Vote 8 at too early a date, and I have now arranged with the Leader of the House that it should be taken on Friday the 15th July. The two preceding Fridays, I understand, are pledged to the Irish Estimates. As, however, the Admiralty will want money before the 15th July, some of the Votes will be put down for next Friday evening, the Leader of the House having promised me a couple of hours for that purpose. Votes 7, 8, and 9 will be reserved for the 15th July.

SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

What votes will be taken next Friday?

MR. GOSCHEN

The non-effective votes of a non-controversial character.