§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the absence, which we all regret, of the First Lord of the Treasury, what the arrangements of business for this week are, especially with regard to this day. Much to our surprise, we find the Rules of Procedure down as the first Order, the understanding being that the Navy Estimates would be put down first.
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHWith regard to the last point to which the right hon. Gentleman referred, I am free to confess that it is due to a mistake. If my right hon. friend had been able to be in the House late on Friday night, opportunity would have been taken of postponing the Order which now stands first until tomorrow, he having previously stated to the House that the Naval Estimates would be taken today. I am afraid my right hon. friend will not be able to he in the House tomorrow, and it is also necessary that we should make progress with Supply. I, therefore, propose to ask the House, if Votes A and 1 of the Navy Estimates should not be taken tonight, to continue the Navy Estimates tomorrow. I should place a Notice on the Paper for that purpose. It will also be necessary, as soon as we can, to take the Vote on Account. Tomorrow I shall be better able to make a further statement with regard to the rest of the week.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIs it not proposed to take the London Water Bill on Thursday?
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHIf we are fortunate with our Supply tonight and tomorrow, I hope that we shall be able to take the Licensing Bill as well as the Water Bill on Thursday. I am not sure whether my right hon. friend the President of the Local Government Board will be able to be present on that day. If he is, the Water Bill will be the first Order. I will, however, make a further statement tomorrow.
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHThat will be on Monday.
§ *SIR CHARLES DILKEI beg to give notice that the Motion taking tomorrow for Supply will be opposed by me, in the interests of the Railway Servants' Motion.