§ SIR CHARLES CAMERONI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury when it is proposed to proceed with the Telegraphs (Telephonic Communication, &c.) Bill.
§ Mr. A. J. BALFOURThere are three or four questions with regard to public business in connection with Bills yet to come before the House, but I can make no statement at the present time in regard to these Bills, for, as the House 908 knows, the business for the week is fixed. To-day we take the Scotch Private Bill Procedure Bill; to-morrow we shall take the Third Readings of the two Bills upon which the Report stage is finished, the London Government Bill and the Finance Bill; Wednesday is a private members' day; on Thursday we propose to take the discussion on the Indian Sugar Bounties; and on Monday next, if the Scottish Private Bill Procedure Bill is not finished, we shall continue with it. It is also possible that on Monday I may have to ask the House to give us further facilities for Government business, and in making the request I shall make such a statement on business as I am able to do.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURScotch Estimates, beginning with the Education Vote.
§ MR. CHANNINGWhen will the next stage of the Food and Drugs Bill be taken?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThat falls under the general category of questions to which I have already referred.
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)When does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take the Colonial Loans Fund Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI stated last week that I understood it was important that the Bill should he proceeded with today, and that it would, at the cost of some inconvenience, have to take precedence; but further consultation with my right hon. friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has shown that it can be put off, and I will not make an abortive statement upon it now.
MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)When is it intended to take the Undersized Fish Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt may be taken after Twelve o'clock.