HC Deb 09 June 1903 vol 123 cc326-7
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

What Supply is to be taken next Thursday?

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

The Local Government Board Vote will be taken on Thursday.

*SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

What Votes will follow? The Local Government Board Vote does not often occupy a whole day.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange to take on Thursday week Section 3 of Vote 8 of the Navy Estimates, so as to enable us to discuss the Cunard agreement and subsidy.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I would like to consider more in detail the hon. Gentleman's question; but speaking without prejudice I think that the discussion of this particular subject on the Estimates rather belongs to the larger and more general question of the arrangements made in connection with the Atlantic combine. There are inconveniences in discussing the arrangements with the Cunard Company in the manner suggested by the hon. Member. There will be an opportunity given to discuss the subject, but as at present advised, I think it would be inconvenient to take the Cunard agreement as divorced from the general question of the combine. In reply to the right hon. Baronet, I will endeavour, through the usual channels, to find out what is believed to be the most convenient Vote to be, taken after the Local Government Board Vote.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

What will be the business for Friday?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Assuming, as I imagine I may do, that the Second Reading of the Finance Bill is obtained to-morrow, the first orders on Friday will be the Employment of Children Bill as amended by the Standing Committee, the Education (Borrowing) Bill, and other small measures.