HC Deb 14 May 1900 vol 83 cc43-4
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I wish to ask the First Lord of the Treasury with regard to the item of business which appears first on this White Paper—the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Bill—in what manner it is proposed to introduce it. In the Orders issued on Saturday it appeared ✶See The Parliamentary Debates [Fourth Series]. Vol. lxxxii., p. 489. that it was to be introduced under what is known as the Ten Minutes Rule, but that has been changed in to-day's Paper, and we are a little at a loss to know what are the intentions of the Government.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am surprised that there should be any doubt as to the intentions of the Government, for I stated in most specific terms on Friday that not only would this Commonwealth Bill be the first Order, but that there was a possibility that the discussion might take more than one night, although I hoped not. Therefore the intentions of the Government were never in question. How there came to be a misprint in the Blue Papers I am unable to say.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

What is the intention of the Government with regard to the motion for the discharge of Mr. Houston from the Committee on War Office Contracts. It cannot, I take it, come on after midnight if opposed. Will the right hon. Gentleman in that case fix a definite day for it?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The usual course will be followed. If the motion should be opposed after twelve o'clock, it will stand over for next day.

SIR CHARLES CAMERON

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can give the House any information as to the date of the commencement and probable duration of the Whitsuntide Recess.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am afraid I cannot make any definite statement on the subject in the present state of public business.