HC Deb 13 May 1901 vol 93 cc1482-3
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury questions as to the progress of public business—what Supply will be taken on Friday, when the Second Reading of the Finance Bill will be taken, and generally as to the business for next week. For the convenience of Members it would be very desirable if the right hon. Gentleman could give us information as to the Whitsuntide holidays.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

As regards next Friday, I propose to take some of the less controversial, or non-controversial, Votes in Class 2. On Monday next I hope to begin the discussion on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill; and I suppose we shall be able to rise for the holidays at the end of the Friday sitting in next week. Of course, there is no prospect of our being able to rise before.

AN HON. MEMBER: To meet when?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I should not like to give a final answer to that question. On the whole, I think it would be most economical of Parliamentary time, or at all events, of Government time, and for the general convenience, if we were to prolong the holidays to the Thursday week following. The only alternative would be to meet on the Monday week, which would be a very inconvenient day; and Wednesday is a private Members' day, as well as being Derby day.