§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would say what is the expectation of business for to-morrow and Wednesday, what Votes in Supply will be put down on Thursday, and, although the right hon. Gentleman seems to fight shy of committing himself to anything in anticipation of the greater recess, perhaps it would not be presumptuous to ask what the main business will be until the smaller recess at Whitsuntide.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI hope, as regards the last Question, the right hon. Gentleman will allow me a few days for consideration. With regard to this week, to-morrow we take the remaining Budget Resolutions, and I think I must ask the House to finish them to-morrow. The only Resolutions still requiring to be taken are those relating to the income-tax, tobacco, beer, and spirits, the sinking fund, and some smaller omnibus Resolutions. A discussion on the repeal of the bread tax in Committee 312 would be out of order. I conceive, therefore, that the most controversial part of the Budget discussion will have to be deferred until the Second Reading and later stages of the Finance Bill. If, through the ordinary channels, I can learn that I am justified in feeling secure that these Resolutions will be obtained by twelve o'clock to-morrow night I will not trouble the House by moving the suspension of the Twelve O'clock Rule. Otherwise, I must be held as now giving notice of that Motion. On Wednesday the Second Reading of the Port of London Bill will be taken, and on Thursday the Shipbuilding Vote.
§ MR. FLOWER (Bradford, W.)Is it proposed to put down the Local Government Board Vote?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)Will the Committee stage of the Irish Land Bill be taken before Whitsuntide, and will it be proceeded with continuously. Such a course would be very convenient to Irish Members.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot answer definitely; but, sympathising with the view that when taken progress should be continuous, I think my desire to make that arrangement will necessitate the deferring of Committee till after Whitsuntide.
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)pointed out that one of the omnibus Resolutions referred to by the Prime Minister in his answer concerning the Budget related to the Inland Revenue in terms which raised the whole question of the finance of the country.
§ MR. RITCHIEThe omnibus Resolution enabling changes to be made raises no definite issue, and it would be contrary to precedent not to allow it to be taken as a matter of course.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESIt may have been allowed to pass without debate, but surely it would not be contrary to precedent to discuss it.
§ MR. RITCHIEYes, I say it would be contrary to precedent.