§ MR. A. J. BALFOUR, in moving that the House meet to-morrow at eleven, explained that the meeting would be purely formal, and that the attendance of Members would not be necessary, a House would be made by Black Rod. The ordinary business would be taken as usual at three o'clock.
§ Motion made and Question proposed, "That this House do meet to-morrow at Eleven of the clock a.m."—(Mr. A. J. Balfour.)
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)For my part, I do not quite understand the necessity for meeting at eleven o'clock. Why cannot this House go up at three o'clock to hear the Royal assent given to the Bill? Is it for the convenience of the Lords, and to save them the trouble of meeting again at three o'clock?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt will be absolutely necessary that the Royal Assent should be given to the Appropriation Bill at an early hour to-morrow.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDThat is the point I do not understand. There may be some urgent necessity which I do not understand.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe hon. Member need not be brought here. There will be no business done. The early hour of meeting is in order to enable the Treasury to carry out the business entrusted to them before the end of the financial year. I hope the hon. Gentleman will accept that explanation. The proposal imposes no inconvenience on this House in any way.
§ Question put, and agreed to.