§ MR. BRYCEI should like to ask for information as to the business to be taken this week, and this day week after the Indian Budget. I am inclined to assume that the Indian Budget will occupy the whole of the evening as well as the morning sitting, but some uncertainty seems to exist on the subject.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI rather agree with the anticipation of the right hon. Gentleman that the Indian Budget will occupy the morning sitting and possibly a good part, at all events, of the evening sitting. However that may be, I shall put down either the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill or the Militia and Yeomanry Bill as the second Order. In other words, I should not propose to take the Education Bill on Monday. During this week, I propose, as at present advised—it may be subject to alterations—to take the Education Bill every afternoon. Some of the evening sittings, I anticipate, will be occupied with business connected with the Transvaal Vote.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand that my right hon. friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has charge of this Vote, proposes to move tomorrow that the Vote be taken on Wednesday.
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)It will be a Motion, I presume, "that Mr. Speaker leave the Chair."
§ * MR. RITCHIETomorrow it is proposed to move that on the following day the House resolve itself into Committee: and the Paper itself will be distributed tomorrow.
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKEWill the Motion be made at two o'clock?
§ * MR. RITCHIENo, at nine o'clock.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESWhen that Motion is made, I shall oppose it. May I ask whether there is to be any demand for money on the part of the Crown, through the medium of a Message or Speech? That is invariably the first step in granting Supply in this House.
§ * MR. RITCHIEI think my hon. friend had better wait till tomorrow.
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)I suppose the Local Authorities (Bills, in Parliament) Bill will not be taken this week. It is a very contentious measure.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNO, Sir.
§ MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take it this session?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am afraid we are not yet near the end of the session.
§ MR. TULLYWhen will the right hon. Gentleman take the Irish Local Government Bill? It means a relief of £25,000 a year to the rates.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot say at present.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir, I will not.