§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt is possible, and I hope almost certain, that the debate on the Irish Land Bill will finish at half-past seven to-morrow. In that case I shall commence the discussion on the Budget Resolutions at the Evening Sitting to-morrow and continue it on Tuesday next. Monday next will be devoted to Supply.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)I presume it is only conjecture on the part of the right hon. Gentleman that the debate will close tomorrow afternoon.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt is hypothetical, but I think it would be greatly 1521 to the convenience of the House if it were possible to come to some such arrangement.
MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman expects the Budget Resolutions to be finished in an evening sitting?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have not said so.
§ MR. RITCHIEI think they might be.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe arrangement is dependent upon the conclusion of the debate on the Land Bill by the dinner-hour.
MR. JAMES LOWTHERDoes the Chancellor of the Exchequer intend to force the Budget Resolutions through at an evening sitting?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURSome men are optimists and some are pessimists. I belong to the pessimistic order; my right hon. friend belongs to the happier order.