HC Deb 06 March 1899 vol 67 cc1367-9
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Is it likely that the Army Estimates will be taken to-night?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN: (Stirling Burghs)

Perhaps the right honourable Gentleman will, at the same time, answer as to the Navy Estimates. I think it was left somewhat in doubt as to what course would be taken with regard to them.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

With regard to the Navy Estimates, the statement by the First Lord of the Admiralty will be made on Thursday next, and as soon after the statement as may be I shall move the adjournment of the Debate, following the analogy of last year, in order that honourable Gentlemen may have an opportunity of studying the Estimates in the light of the speech made by the First Lord. We shall then proceed with the Supplementary Estimates.

MR. WEIR

Will the Navy Supplementary Estimates be taken on Thursday after the First Lord has made his statement?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I hope to take both the Naval and Colonial Estimates on Thursday after the Debate on the statement of the First Lord had been adjourned. I cannot at present state absolutely whether the Naval Supplementary Estimates will come before the Colonial Supplementary Estimates or vice versa. With regard to the Army Estimates, I hope to be able to take them to-night, and I think it will be desirable to do so. I was reproached by the right honourable Gentlemen opposite at the beginning of the Session with regard to the management of Supply, and was told I ought to press on the Votes, We have spent two nights over the Army Estimates on Vote A and Vote 1, and have not yet got Vote 1, although we have invariably got these two Votes in two days in previous years, even when we have had important discussions. I think it desirable to get on with these Estimates, and if the Government succeed in obtaining the first three Orders of the Day I shall proceed with the Army Estimates.

MR. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, E.)

Does the right honourable Gentleman intend to proceed with the Navy Estimates even if they are not produced, or only produced on the morning of the day on which they are so taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

We think it is important that the statement of the First Lord and the Naval Estimates should be considered together. The House will not be asked to come to any decision upon them, and it is for that purpose that I shall move the adjournment of the Debate after the statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty.

MR. BUCHANAN

I desire to ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it is not contrary to precedent and the ordinary procedure to go on with the discussion of Estimates which have not been produced, in face of the resolution passed many years ago, and invariably followed, to the effect that the Naval and Military Estimates shall be produced and laid upon the table within 10 days of the setting up of Committee of Supply.

MR. SPEAKER

I should not like to say whether the Estimates have always been laid on the Table within 10 days after the setting up of Supply. In some years I rather think that has not been the case, but I cannot say offhand.

MR. MACARTNEY

The Navy Estimates were presented according to rule within the specified time. They were presented in dummy.

MR. BUCHANAN

The rule is alluded to in Sir Erskine May's work.

MR. SPEAKER

I believe the Resolution of 1821 still states the regular course.

MR. BUCHANAN

Yes, but it is not intended that the Estimates shall only be laid in dummy.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

If the Army Estimates are not reached at a reasonable hour, say before 11 o'clock, I suppose they will not be taken, as we have got something lively to say?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

According to my experience there is no more lively time than that which the honourable Gentleman indicates. I cannot imagine a better time or one in which there is a better chance of an audience.

SIR. H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton)

When will the Civil Service Estimates be presented in full? We are getting then in instalments.

MR. HANBURY

I think on Wednesday.