HC Deb 07 July 1903 vol 124 cc1532-3
MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can now give any indication as to when the Vote for the salary of the Secretary of State for War will be taken; and if, in view of the important subjects to be discussed and the fact that there has been no opportunity for the discussion of many recent military events and developments, he will allow two days for the remaining Military Votes.

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir A. ACLAND-HOOD,) Somersetshire, Wellington

said: My right hon. friend has authorised me to say that the Vote for the salary of the Secretary of State for War will be taken either on Thursday week or Thursday fortnight. As regards the second part of the Question, I have been desired to say that the Government can hold out no hope of giving two full Supply days to the Army Estimates, in view of the claims of other important services which have not yet been before the House.

MR. PIRIE

As there was an understanding that the debate should not be delayed until too late in the session, I hope it will be fixed for Thursday week.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

I will mention that to the First Lord.

MR. COURTENAY WARNER (Staffordshire, Lichfield)

Will any time be allowed for the Militia Vote to be discussed? It has not been debated for years.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

I cannot say, but I should hope some of the time set apart for the Army Estimates will be given to it.

*SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

Is it still intended to take the Naval Works Bill first on Friday? May it be assumed that if the Irish Land Bill is not finished this evening it will be taken as the first order to-morrow, and that the business which has been put first to-morrow will come after it?

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

The right hon. Gentleman is correct as to the course which will be adopted to-morrow. Should the Education Vote be passed in reasonable time on Thursday, it is proposed to take Class 2 of the Scotch Vote immediately afterwards. On Friday it is proposed to take the Report stage of the Scotch Licensing Bill, and on Monday it is intended to take the Second Reading of the Naval Works Bill.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

What about the London Education Bill?

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

The London Education Bill will probably be taken on Tuesday.