HC Deb 18 March 1898 vol 55 cc248-9
MR. T. R. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, E.)

With regard to the Motion on the Paper for the suspension of the 12 o'clock Rule, may I ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the suspension will apply only to the necessary business of Supply, and that if that be completed by midnight ordinary Supply will not be proceeded with?

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

Yes, the hon. Gentleman has rightly interpreted the intentions of the Government. As he knows, this is the last day on which we can deal with the Supply that has to be passed before the end of the financial year, and the 12 o'clock rule is to be suspended, not with the view or the expectation that the Debate will be prolonged, but simply to get the necessary Supply. As I am on my legs, perhaps it would be convenient to the House if I now give notice that on Monday I shall move that the several stages of the Irish Local Government Bill have precedence of all Orders of the Day and Notices of Motion on every day to which that Bill is appointed.

SIR C. DILKE

Is it intended to take Wednesdays under that notice?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The notice is general; but I have no reason to expect that next Wednesday will fall a victim to the Motion. I think two nights should easily be enough for the discussion of the general principles on which both sides of the House agree.

SIR C. DILKE

With regard to the Committee stage, is it the intention of the Government to take Wednesdays, or spare them?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I think we shall take Wednesdays.

SIR C. DILKE

May I ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give a return this year, similar to the one last year under the Naval Works Act, showing the actual amount of money expended in the course of the last financial year?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. J. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

Yes, Sir, I will do so. I think the figures are discoverable from those already before the House, but the subtractions and additions shall be made in the Office.