§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)I wish to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer again with reference to the Orders of the Day. I notice he has put down the Civil Service Estimates. May we take it that that has simply been done as a matter of precaution, and that there is no idea of taking them? I wish also to know if he will give at least two days notice when it is intended to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on these Estimates.
* Sin M. HICKS BEACHThe hon. and learned Gentleman is quite right; the Civil Service Estimates have been put down as a matter of precaution, and I have no intention of taking them tonight. Perhaps I may remind the House that I promised the other day, on the assumption that both Vote A and Vote 1 were passed by the end of tomorrow's sitting, that I would place Monday at the disposal of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition for the discussion of the Motion of which lie has given notice. I have no reason at present to anticipate that we may not be able to do that, but should it appear from the course of the debate to be necessary, I will move the suspension of the 12 o'clock Rule on Friday.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)What will be the business for next week?
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHThe Report stages of the Votes to be included in the Appropriation Bill. These render it necessary to adhere to the course suggested, otherwise the discussion appointed for Monday will have to be postponed. I will, however, state tomorrow what will be the order of business.
§ MR. LOUGHWhy is it necessary to get these Votes before Monday? It has not been usual in other years.
§ MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL (Oldham)I should like to ask whether, in the event of the discussion on the statement for the Secretary of War in its general aspect not being taken before Mr. Speaker is moved out of the chair, the Committee will have full opportunity of discussing it on either Vote A or Vote 1
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHCertainly we shall endeavour to secure that.
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHI believe the course I suggested to be necessary in view of the other business we have before us. We have to get the Report of several large Votes.
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hon. Members look upon the statement of the Secretary of War as the most important made since Mr Cardwell's famous scheme, which was laid before the House previous to legislation; and is he also aware that the debate on Vote A is likely to be largely taken up on the Motion for a reduction of the number of men?
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHI am afraid I can only say that if these Votes are not obtained tomorrow, we shall have to proceed with them on Monday, and the debate on the Motion of the Leader of the Opposition will have to be adjourned.