§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)I wish to ask the First Lord of the Treasury a question as to which we are all very anxious—whether he can now relieve the anxiety of the House in regard to the Whitsuntide holidays. [Cries of "Mafeking!"]
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAs Mafeking has been mentioned, although in a somewhat irregular manner, I may say that my right hon. friend the Secretary for the Colonies informs me that he has heard from Sir Alfred Milner, who has himself heard from General Barton, who, as the House knows, is not very far from the scene of action, that Mafeking was relieved on Thursday, the 17th. This information, though, has not yet reached
* See The Parliamentary Debates [Fourth Series], Vol. lxvi., page 1290.749 us from Lord Roberts. As regards the question of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Stirling Burghs, I have to say that the holidays, I think, should begin on Tuesday of next week, and will last, I hope, until Thursday, 14th June.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUROn Monday next the Report stage of the Railways (Prevention of Accidents) Bill will be taken.
§ MR. SAMUEL SMITHWill the House sit on the Tuesday?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURYes, to move the adjournment. Whether we sit for anything else is doubtful; I should think probably not.
§ MR. SAMUEL SMITHI beg to give notice that if the right hon. Gentleman moves the adjournment of the House on the Tuesday, and thereby cuts out the very important Protestant question (Church of England Elementary Schools) I have upon the Paper, there will be a very wide protest made both in and out of the House.
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)Will the Shipbuilding Vote be taken before Whitsuntide?