HC Deb 28 April 1904 vol 133 cc1455-6
MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

I have to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether there is any alteration in the order of business announced yesterday.

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

In consequence of the fact that we were not able to get the Report of all the Budget Resolutions last night, I shall have to ask the House to finish that stage of the Budget next Tuesday. Monday next remains allocated, so far as the first order is concerned, to the Scotch Education Bill. On Monday week I propose to take the Second Reading of the Licensing Bill.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Cannot the Cunard Agreement (Money) Committee be taken at an early date as the right hon. Gentleman put it down as the second order for Tuesday?

MR. A.J. BALFOUR

The sooner that business is disposed of the better, and I will consider the propriety of putting it down as the second order on Tuesday.

MR. EDWARD MITCHELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any forecast as to when the Irish Land Bill is likely to be reached?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not think much is gained by making forecasts of the course of business. In the first place, it depends not upon me but upon the powers of discussion of the House whether the forecast turns out accurate or not; and if it proves inaccurate hon. Members are apt to slip into the habit of thinking that I have broken an engagement. I therefore abstain from legislative prophecy.

MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)

If the Scottish Education debate is not finished on Monday will it be continued on Tuesday?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot imagine the debate on the Scottish Education Bill lasting more than one day; but, in any case, the following day must be understood to be distinctly allocated to the Budget.

MR. BUCHANAN

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will put on the Paper as soon as possible the terms of the Motion with regard to the Cunard Agreement.