HC Deb 04 March 1898 vol 54 cc623-4
MR. EDWARD MORTON (Devonport)

I desire to put to the First Lord of the Treasury a Question of which I have given him private notice—namely, if the right hon. Gentleman can tell the House about what date the Government intend to introduce their Bill dealing with the government of London?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

The hon. Gentleman was courteous enough to give me private notice of a Question he intended to ask, but not of the Question he has just stated across the floor of the House. The Question the hon. Member intimated his intention of asking was, when the Government proposed to introduce a Bill dealing with the government of Ireland; and I thought that the hon. Gentleman in some prophetic confusion of soul was under the impression that he was urging his leader—his reluctant leader—to proceed with a Home Rule Bill as soon as possible. Now that I understand what the hon. Member's Question is, I have to say that I cannot give him any information.

SIR W. HARCOURT (Monmouthshire, W.)

I wish to ask, Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what will be the course of business for next week? With reference to the amended Question of my hon. Friend behind me, it would be interesting to London to know when that Bill will be introduced, because it was confidently stated by members of the Government that it would depend upon an election which, I believe, took place yesterday. I am asking a Question as to whether an early date can be named for bringing in the Government Bill with reference to the reform of the municipal government of London, so that the people of London may become acquainted with the plan of Her Majesty's Government.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I do not myself quite see what the date of the Introduction of the Bill has to do with the character of the Bill. As I have already stated to the hon. Gentleman opposite, I cannot give any information as to the time of the Introduction of the Bill.

SIR W. HARCOURT

What will be the business for next week?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

That Bill will not be part of it, because, as I have already stated, we propose as the First Order on Monday the Second Reading of the Benefices Bill, and we hope to be able to take the Navy Estimates on Thursday and Friday.

MR. G. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)

Will the Second Reading of the Local Government Bill be taken on Monday, the 14th.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I still entertain the hope that that will be the most convenient time for everybody concerned.

MR. W. H. K. REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in the interest and for the convenience of Irish Members, he will give us early and as definite notice as possible of the date the Second Reading will be taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I wish, of course, to consult the convenience of all, as far as possible. If the hon. Member will ask me on Tuesday, I will promise to tell him definitely.

MR. T. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

When will the Light Dues Bill be taken?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) Croydon

It is down for Monday, but I do not know whether it will be reached.