BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE.

HC Deb 18 April 1904 vol 133 cc395-6

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

Has the Leader of the House any announcement to make as to business?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Yes, Sir. As the House knows, we are going to introduce the Budget Bill to-morrow and it will be convenient, and in accordance with precedent, to ask it to suspend the Twelve O'clock Rule, as it is necessary in the public interest that on the first night of the Budget certain Resolutions should be passed. If we are fortunate enough to-morrow to get all the Budget Resolutions, I shall put down Supply, Class l, for Thursday, but, if not, the discussion on the Budget will be continued on Thursday. The Licensing Bill stands for Wednesday.

MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)

May I ask whether the proceedings tomorrow will be much prolonged after midnight if the subject of the Budget should prove to be very contentious.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The length of the discussion rests at least as much with the hon. Gentleman and his friends as with the Government.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

May I ask whether, as is usual, a general discussion will be taken on the Budget, on one of the Resolutions.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have not consulted the precedents, but the House may take it that I do not wish to restrict their habitual liberties in regard to the subject.

SIR HENRY FOWLER

Why is it necessary to get any Budget Resolution on the first night if no new taxation is imposed; and, if so, what is the Resolution?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

If it can be shown that it is not necessary to take any Resolution on Tuesday, the right hon. Gentleman can make his representations at the proper time.