§ Mr. DILLONMay I ask, with reference to the order of business today, whether it is proposed to take the Estimates in the order in which hey appear on the Paper, or to go on with the Civil Service Estimates from the point at which we left off on Friday?
§ Mr. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir; I propose to take the Estimates in the order in which they are on the Paper.
§ Sir J. FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)What will be the course of business to-morrow?
§ Mr. A. J. BALFOURAs I have already stated, the business to-morrow will be the Vote on Account, and, in accordance with the practice which was introduced a year or two back, I have made such inquiries as I can from authorised sources and I find the discussion which is most desired is that on the Education Vote, which will accordingly be placed first.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONIn case the Speaker is not got out of the Chair on Friday, will the debate be continued on the Monday following?
§ Mr. A. J. BALFOURI must not be understood to pledge myself a week in advance, as unforeseen necessities for taking other business may arise. But I hope the discussion on the Army Estimates will be continued on Monday.
*SIR CHARLES DTLKEIs it the intention of the Secretary of State for War to make his statement first on Friday?
§ Mr. A. J. BALFOURYes, I hope so. I think it will be the most convenient course. On Thursday the first business will be the motion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the Committee on the Civil List, and after that is disposed of we shall go on with the Supplementary Estimates.
§ Mr. JOHN REDMONDIs it not a departure from the practice of the House for the Minister for War to make his statement on the question that Mr. Speaker leave the Chair?
§ Mr. A. J. BALFOURNo; I think that has been the practice for some years. The hon. Gentleman is perfectly right in saying it was not the old practice. It is a new one, and I think it has been found to be most convenient.