HC Deb 09 July 1900 vol 85 cc968-9
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can now make a statement of the intentions of the Government as to the legislative business of the remaining weeks of the session; and, if not, when he will be in a position to make such a statement.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think it would be premature now to answer the question of the right hon. Gentleman. If he will kindly put it down for Monday next, I hope then to be able to make a full statement.

MR. DILLON

Will the right hon. Gentleman meantime take into consideration the view expressed in the House of Lords on Friday as to the desirability of withdrawing the Tithe Rent-charge (Ireland) Bill, and devoting the time to some more useful purpose?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

What Estimates will be taken on Friday next, and what will be the course of business till then?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I suppose we shall finish the Committee stage of the Irish Tithes Bill to-night, and I shall then propose to proceed with the Agricultural Holdings Bill of my right hon. friend. I hope to take the Navy Estimates on Friday. The First Lord of the Admiralty, however, informs me that it is very important that a Memorandum which he has prepared on the subject of water-tube boilers should be in the hands of Members before those Estimates can well be discussed, and there appears to be a slight doubt as to whether it will be possible to circulate that Memorandum in time. But, if possible, it is most desirable to take the Navy Estimates on Friday.

SIR CHARLES DILKE

If you do not, what Vote will be taken?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Failing the Navy Estimates, the Home Office Vote will be taken.

MR. DILLON

Up to what hour tomorrow morning does the right hon. Gentleman propose to keep the House sitting?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

That depends on hon. Gentlemen opposite.