HC Deb 25 April 1902 vol 106 cc1333-4
* MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

Is it intended to take the Second Reading of the Land Bill before or after Whitsuntide?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

There is not the smallest chance of its being taken before Whitsuntide.

MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)

What will be the business in the latter half of next week?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not give an absolute pledge, but probably the discussion of the Procedure Rules will be continued on Thursday. It is possible I may have to ask the House to suspend the Twelve o'clock Rule on Tuesday and Thursday.

MR. DILLON

On behalf of the hon. Member for Kilkenny, I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that there will be an Autumn Session of Parliament this year, he can indicate the probable dates and length of the recess at Whitsuntide and at the Coronation, and the date on which this Session will close.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am afraid I cannot give any definite reply to this Question, but the House must not expect a very long holiday at Whitsuntide.

MR. DILLON

I hope there will be favourable consideration to the suggestion that in view of an Autumn Session the present session will not be prolonged.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am anxious to meet the wishes of the House as far as I can; but I confess it seems to me that any difficulty in getting through the business will be due, not to the Government, bur the manner in which discussion is carried on by hon. Members.