HC Deb 22 April 1903 vol 121 cc114-6
SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

May I ask what will be the business on Tuesday and Wednesday next?

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

As the House is aware, the business to-morrow will be the Budget; but, in order to comply with the provisions of the new Supply Rule, it will be necessary at the commencement of public business to move a Resolution giving Ways and Means Committee precedence over other business of Supply, and also to suspend the Twelve o'Clock Rule. On Monday the Vote of Censure will be taken. With regard to Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, inquiries are being made as to the relative convenience of taking either the Irish Land Bill or the London Education Bill, and the decision of the Government will be announced at seven o'clock.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

So far as the Irish Members are concerned, their convenience will be met by taking the Irish Land Bill on the earliest possible day.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

The question is whether the Second Reading of the Irish Land Bill can be taken on the whole of Tuesday and the afternoon sitting on Wednesday. If not, I think it may be for the convenience of the House to take the London Education Bill rather than to have a debate on the Irish Land Bill and adjourn it until the following week.

MR. LOUGH

Why does the hon. Gentleman assume that the discussion on the London Education Bill will be shorter than the debate on the Irish Land Bill? I think it will be much longer.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

Cannot we go on with the debate on Thursday?

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

No. We must take Supply in accordance with the Standing Order.

MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)

asked when the succeeding Budget Resolutions would be taken.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

said, according to precedent, one Resolution would be taken at the close of the discussion to morrow night, and the Report of that Resolution would possibly be taken after twelve o'clock on Monday night. He could not say when the succeeding Resolutions would be taken.

MR. CHANNING

Are the succeeding Resolution likely to be taken on Thursday week?

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

said he could not go as far as that.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER

asked whether his hon. friend would consider the expediency of guarding against the confusion which prevailed last year and the year before as to the general discussion. It was pointed out that certain Resolutions must be passed for reasons connected with the Department, and that a general discussion would be allowed subsequently. He hoped that point had been considered.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

I will mention that matter to the Leader of the House.