§ MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can for the convenience of Members now state when it is proposed that the House should adjourn for and reassemble after Easter.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have been rather disappointed with the progress of public business. I had hoped that we should have advanced the Finance Bill further than we have, but I still hope that if we make reasonable progress in the business that still remains to be done we may be able to get away on Tuesday, April 10th, and in that case I shall give the House a fortnight and two days holiday, and not ask it to reassemble till Thursday, the 26th.
§ SIR HENRY FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)What Estimates will be taken to-morrow?
§ SIR CHARLES CAMERONAnd as to the Ecclesiastical Assessments (Scotland) Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURTo-morrow we begin business by moving the Speaker out of the Chair, and, this being completed, we shall proceed with the Estimates in their order. Perhaps, being on my feet, I may say that I am rather disappointed in my anticipation, and must somewhat depart from the arrangements for next week. I 719 held out a hope to Scotch Members that as the first Order for Monday we would take the Ecclesiastical Assessments (Scotland) Bill, and go on with other Scotch matters, but I find that a stage of the Finance Bill must be taken on each day next week. As a matter of fact, the Report stage must be taken on Monday. I do not suppose it will take any length of time, but the Ecclesiastical Assessments will be the second Order. On Tuesday I must ask the House to take a stage of the Finance Bill first.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Monmouthshire, W.)What are the various stages of the Finance Bill that will be taken?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHOn Monday we take the Report. On Tuesday I have to move the Speaker out of the Chair for a Resolution of the House in Committee of Ways and Means for insertion of certain clauses. Then must follow on subsequent days the recommittal of the Bill, the insertion of these clauses, and the Third Reading of the Bill on Friday.
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)Will there be a morning sitting on Tuesday?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir.
§ MR. SAMUEL SMITH (Flintshire)Is it proposed to interfere with the debate on the Indian famine?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not think the Government business for that day need take long. It need not displace the hon. Member's motion if the House will treat the business of the Finance Bill as formal business.
§ MR. H. S. FOSTER (Suffolk, Lowestoft)When will the Sea Fisheries Bill be taken? Will it be brought on at a time to admit of its being discussed?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will consult my right hon. friend in charge of the Bill. I do not think there is much chance of its being taken to-night or on Monday.