§ Ordered, That the Proceedings on the Local Government (Ireland) Bill, if under discussion at Twelve o'clock this night, be not interrupted under the Standing Order Sittings of the House.—(Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer.)
§ * THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERmoved that the House do meet to-morrow (Tuesday) at 12 o'clock.
§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)I think we ought to have some more clear understanding of what is going to take place to-morrow. These motions for adjournment are usually taken advantage of by Members to raise questions of interest. I quite understand the difficulty the Government have in finding that the progress with the Local Government Bill is slower than they anticipated, and that they are anxious to dispose of the Committee stage of the Bill before the holidays; but at the same time the right of Members to use the adjournment motion as an opportunity of expressing their views should be remembered. From, this opportunity, however, we shall be precluded, because Committee on the Irish Bill may be continued to 4 or 5 o'clock on Wednesday morning. I think the Chancellor of the Exchequer will see that we shall have some difficulty in gaining the attention of the House at 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning. As far as I am concerned, my attention has not been absolutely fixed on the Irish Local Government Bill. Therefore, I should come perfectly fresh to the matter. In regard to the particular matter to which I desire to call the attention of the House, it is desirable that the First Lord of the Treasury should be here. I am sorry to hear that he is unwell; but I am glad to hear that he is taking sufficient care of his health not to come to the House. If this question cannot be raised on the morrow, an understand- 418 ing should be given that a reasonable opportunity should be afforded.
§ * THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI hope the anticipations of the honourable Gentleman as to the length of to-morrow's sitting will not be realised, and that to conclude Committee on the Bill it will not be necessary to sit till 4 or 5 o'clock on Wednesday morning. However that may be, I think the honourable Gentleman will see that as he desires to address the House in the presence of the Leader of the House he will not have that opportunity either at the beginning or the end of the sitting, because the health of my right honourable Friend will not permit him to be at the House tomorrow. As I have already stated, if there is any general desire to take the Foreign Office Vote on June 10th, we are prepared to place that day at the disposal of honourable Members for that purpose. I understand that the question the honourable Member desires to raise has reference to foreign affairs, and this would give him an opportunity.