HC Deb 18 May 1899 vol 71 cc940-1
MR. PICKERSGILL

Does the First Lord intend by moving the suspension of the twelve o'clock Rule, to secure the passing of the London Government Bill through Committee before the House rises?

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

I had not contemplated so horrible a prospect as that of an all-night sitting over the London Government Bill in Committee, nor do I see that there is any reasonable prospect of that Bill not being got over in very good time. It, is solely in that belief that I shall ask the House to suspend the twelve o'clock Rule, and I think everybody will join with me in seeing the great inconvenience of keeping half a page of the Bill over to be dealt with after the Holiday. I think We ought to finish it to-night.

MR. COURTNEY

In the event of the Committee stage of the Bill being finished to-night, can the right honourable Gentleman state the day when he proposes to take the Report stage, or a day before which the Report stage will not be taken?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I shall not take the Report stage of the Bill before the 5th June in the case.

MR. CALDWELL (Lanark, Mid)

What Supply will be taken to-morrow?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Objection has been taken to our dealing with the Customs Vote to-morrow, and therefore the Inland Revenue Vote will be the first Order. I have already intimated what other Votes will be taken, including Votes in Class 2.

MR. CALDWELL

Is the right honourable Getleman aware that Class 2 is very contentions its respect of some Votes, especially regarding Hansard?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

We can discuss that question to-morrow, and I daresay we shall be to come to some arrangement.

MR. STEADMAN

Will the right honourable Gentleman postpone the Post Office Vote until after June 1st?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

We propose to take it that day. I am afraid it would be very inconvenient to disturb that arrangement. It is a Vote we are very anxious to get, and I hope it will be regarded as a convenient arrangement.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether, with a view to meet the convenience of Irish Members, he will arrange that no Irish business shall be taken before Tuesday, 13th June.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No Irish business will be taken before the 13th June. Of course in that undertaking I do not include the Third Reading of the Finance Bill, which I understand some Irish Members desire to talk about.

MR. CALDWELL

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether it is proposed to take any Scotch Votes tomorrow or on 1st or 2nd June; and, if so, would he state what Votes, and on what day.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No, Sir; it is not my intention to take any Scotch Votes on either of the days mentioned.