HC Deb 23 March 1899 vol 69 cc156-7
THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E)

Before making my Motion, it may be convenient to state here the course of business for the few remaining days on which business can be transacted before the beginning of the holidays. To-morrow it is understood that we take the Division on the Second Heading of the London Government Bill. I hope it will not be necessary to suspend the Twelve o'Clock Rule, and I think that probably it will not be necessary. But I shall make inquiries in the course of the evening on that point, and if it is necessary I shall give notice at the adjournment of the House. On Monday we have first to get-through the small matter of referring the Food and Drugs Bill to the Grand Committee; and I anticipate the remainder of the night will be spent in discussing the Scotch Private Legislation Bill. I presume that that will be concluded on Monday night, and if it be, I should suggest that the House meet at 12 o'clock on Tuesday, for the purpose of discussing the Motion for Adjournment, and for no other business at all. I shall take some Supply on the Monday on which we return, which will be the first Monday after Easter Monday. On that Monday I shall either get the Speaker out of the Chair on the Civil Service Estimates or take Navy Votes. I do not think it is necessary to say anything more, because the statement of business is really the justification for the Motion which I now ask the House to accept.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Before the right honourable Gentleman makes his Motion, might I ask him when the third reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill will be taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

As the first Order of Monday.

MR. J. ELLIS (Notts., Rushcliffe)

Can the right honourable Gentleman make any definite statement as to the Budget?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

My right honourable Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not here, but perhaps the honourable Member will put a Question on the Paper for tomorrow, and I will take care then to give him a definite answer.

Motion made, and Question proposed— That the other Government Business have precedence to-morrow of the Committee of Supply."—(First Lord of the Treasury.)

Question put, and agreed to.