HC Deb 21 July 1902 vol 111 cc787-8
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I should like to ask what the business will be for this week, and as we are within reasonable reach of the Adjournment perhaps the right hon. Gentleman can give us some idea of the possibilities for the remaining part of the present sittings.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Education Bill will be taken today and tomorrow (Tuesday), Wednesday, and Thursday will be devoted to Irish Supply, and Friday to the Irish financial relations. As to the remainder of the sittings, the House is aware that the chief business before it is the completion of Supply, and the continuation of its work on the Education and the London Water Bills.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate giving another day for the Navy Estimates?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot say at present.

MR. BROADHURST (Leicester)

Will the Education Bill be taken at the evening sitting tomorrow, in view of the fact that there is Private Bill Business?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I hope the time occupied by Private Bill Business will not eat seriously into the evening sitting. The Education Bill will be the first business after the Private Bill Business.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Monmouthshire, W.)

How many days will be given to regular Supply, and will there be a day for Supplementary Estimates or not? Also, can the right hon. Gentleman fix a day for the Colonial Office Vote?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am anxious to take the Colonial Vote as soon as it is possible to do so, but the House is aware that the Colonial Secretary has not been fit for serious labour lately, and I should like to consult with him before I fix a day. As regards the remainder of Supply, I propose tomorrow to make a Motion giving three days additional to Supply. My impression is that there is one Vote, at all events, of the nature of a new service, which does not come within the twenty-three days. Of course, I shall have to find an opportunity for discussing that. Roughly, five more days must be taken for Supply. This part of the session will end, I presume, on August 8, and the greater part of the time not occupied by Supply will be taken up either by the Education Bill or the Water Bill. I propose to finish the business of the year's Supply in this part of the session, and not to leave any hanging over until the autumn.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

Will the Irish Local Government Act come on before the Adjournment?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Yes, there is some Irish legislative business which will have to be taken before the conclusion of this part of the session, and that is part of it.