HC Deb 05 February 1900 vol 78 cc565-6
MR. WARNER

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he would, in consideration of the great anxiety that prevails in the country, make some very short and general statement as to the military preparations being made by the Government at once; or, if that be impossible, if he will lay such a statement upon the Table now, and before the present debate is concluded.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have already answered this question, and pointed out to the House that it would be not only unusual, but inconvenient and almost unconstitutional, to interrupt the debate on the Address in reply to the Queen's Speech by any such method as the hon. Gentleman suggests.