HC Deb 10 July 1900 vol 85 cc1226-8

On the Motion for Adjournment—

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I propose to take the Second Reading of the Public Works Loans Bill as first Order to-morrow, as I am informed the money is urgently required. Though it is not strictly in order, I may say at the same time that I understand it will be extremely inconvenient to a large number of Members to sit later than 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I propose to adjourn the discussion on the Agricultural Holdings Bill, which will be the second Order, at that hour, and for the remainder of the day only non-controversial business will be taken.

MR. JONATHAN SAMUEL

What Bill does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take after 4 o'clock?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Post Office Sites Bill and the Larceny Bill.

An HON. MEMBER

asked whether the Post Office Sites Bill and the Larceny Bill were the only Government measures to be taken after 4 o'clock on Wednesday.

MR. DILLON

asked whether it had been decided to take the Tithe Rent-charge (Ireland) Bill, Third Reading, as first Order on Thursday.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is impossible for me to answer with certainty the last question, as I do not know what progress we shall make with the Agricultural Holdings Bill to-morrow. I quite agree it would not be fair to take the Third Reading of the Tithes Bill at a late hour of the evening; it ought to be either first Order or very near it, and I will endeavour to give the hon. Member an answer tomorrow. I am not anxious to press on Government business to-morrow after the two measures I have mentioned, but it is. distinctly understood that the time we give up is not to be taken by private Members for their Bills. If after passing the Bills I have named the House prefers to adjourn I shall raise no objection, but if they do not adjourn Government and not private business will be taken.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would be able to state to-morrow when the Irish Estimates and the Education Bill would be taken.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

To-morrow or Thursday—at any rate, I will take an early opportunity.

Adjourned at ten minutes after Twelve of the clock.