HC Deb 30 July 1902 vol 112 cc137-8
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what Votes are to be taken tomorrow, and in what order; also as to Monday and Tuesday.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Tomorrow (Thursday) I propose to take the West Indies Vote for a grant in aid as the first Order, and the Excess Vote as the second Order. We ought to get the latter in the course of the sitting, in order to enable us to close up Supply in due course. To follow these I shall put down the Report of the Army Votes obtained on 17th July. At the evening sitting two Irish Bills will be taken. Friday will be devoted to the Education Bill, and Monday and Tuesday, of course, to Supply.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Will the Report of Supply to be taken include the Vote for the Ben Nevis Observatory? There was, I think, an understanding that we should have an adequate opportunity of discussing that Vote.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I hope I shall be able to find time on Tuesday for a discussion of the Vote for Ben Nevis Observatory on Report of Supply.

MR. BRYCE

May we assume that the Food and Drugs Act Amendment Bill will not be proceeded with?

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY (Somersetshire, S.)

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman take that Bill tomorrow night?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am afraid the two Irish Bills will take up the time. I will put it down on Thursday in next week.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

With reference to the Excess Vote, and the statement that that must be obtained to-morrow, are we to understand that if the West India Vote occupies all the sitting the Excess Vote will be taken without discussion? This is very important, as it involves an expenditure of nearly £3,000,000 not sanctioned by Parliament.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I will do my best to bring the discussion on the West Indian Vote to a conclusion in time to give opportunity for discussing the Army Excess Vote. With regard to Report of Supply, the Army Votes must come first, as the War Office is very much in need of funds.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Can the Secretary to the Treasury say when the annual explanation of the Public Works Loans Bill will be circulated?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I was under the impression that it had been. I will inquire.