§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)As there have been several changes during the last two days perhaps the Leader of the House will say now what business will be taken in the next few days.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Education Estimates will be taken to-morrow, and the Scottish Licensing Bill on Friday. On Monday the Second Reading of the Naval Works Bill will be taken, followed by the Scottish Licensing Bill, if that measure is not concluded on Friday. On Tuesday, the London Education Bill will be taken.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANMay I point out that the Scottish Licensing Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, has only been delivered to hon. Members this morning. It is an elaborate Bill, or rather an amalgamation of two Bills that have been greatly changed, and the public of Scotland will have no opportunity of informing Members of the views held in that country upon it, if the measure is taken on Friday. I do not wish to put any impediment in the way of the Bill, but 34 the right hon. Gentleman will see it can only go down to Scotland to-night.
§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)Will the Sugar Convention Bill be taken next week?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think it is very improbable that the Sugar Convention Bill will be taken next week; in any case not in the earlier part of the week. As regards the question of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, I appreciate his point, but it is extremely difficult, I am afraid, in the general position of business to say what we can substitute for the Scottish Bill on Friday. I am quite willing, however, to consider the matter.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe Bill is exciting great interest in Scotland, and it is only fair that the Scottish people should have a chance of seeing it in its amended form before we further deal with it. What will be taken after the Education Vote on Thursday?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURCivil Service Estimates, Class 2, Scotch Votes.
§ MR. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)Will the South African Loan and War Contribution Bill be taken to night?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)May I ask whether in the event of the Irish Land Bill passing through Committee to-night, the right hon. Gentleman can say when the Report stage will be taken? We all recognise that a reasonable interval is necessary, but it is right to say that there is a very strong feeling on the Irish benches that there ought to be no long delay, and that the Report stage ought to be taken as soon as possible, so that the measure can go to the House of Lords at the earliest possible date.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot give any pledge to the hon. Member, but of course I will bear in mind any considerations which he may bring before me.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDI will repeat my Question in a couple of days.