HC Deb 14 May 1902 vol 108 cc202-3
SIR H CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I wish to ask a Question on a point as to which there is some doubt, as to what will happen in regard to private Bills on Friday.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I understand there is no objection to the Motion for adjournment over the holidays being moved at twelve o'clock on Friday. I should hope that the discussion will last but a short time, and that private Members will not be deprived of their privileges. I will make a further statement tomorrow at Question time. I think it will be necessary for us to take the whole of Thursday for Supply. As a fact I do not quite know where we stand in regard to Supply. We must transact certain business before Whitsuntide.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

What business will the right hon. Gentleman take tomorrow? It is very inconvenient that we should not know where we stand.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think the reproach, if there be one in the hon. Gentleman's Question, is very undeserved, for I have done my best to come to an arrangement, although so far I have failed. Indeed I have been told it was improper and disrespectful on my part—

MR. JOHN REDMOND

We objected to your putting on the screw.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

If we do not get the Second Reading of the Loan Bill today, I shall take it tomorrow.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

And limit the holidays to the following Thursday?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Yes.

MR. CHANNING

In the event of Thursday being devoted to Supply, will that be a counted day?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Of course not.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to tell us definitely the business to be taken on the resumption of the House? If we meet on the Thursday, will it be Supply?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Yes.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

And the following day—Friday?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is usual to put down as uncontroversial Supply as possible for the first day after the holidays, but after that we must not be taken as precluded from at once proceeding with controversial business.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

In view of the fact that we have had very few allotted days for Supply, I will suggest to the right hon. Gentleman that he take Supply on Friday in next week, if we have resumed.