HC Deb 18 July 1904 vol 138 cc294-5
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what are the arrangements for business this week?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am sure it would be a pity to put off the vote of censure, and I hope we may come to some arrangement about it to-night. ["No, no!"] Well, then it must be put off. If the Committee on the Budget is not concluded to-night it will be continued to-morrow, and the Report on the Licensing Bill will be taken on Wednesday and Thursday. If, on the other hand, we finish the Budget to-night, then the Licensing Bill will be taken tomorrow and on Wednesday, and the vote of censure on Thursday.

AN HON. MEMBER

Why not take the vote of censure on Friday?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I should be glad, but I am afraid objection would be raised to that, as it is a short sitting.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNER1VIAN

There is an important private Bill to-night?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I hope a very small one.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

May I point out that the amount of time spent on the Finance Bill depends not on the Opposition, but on the proposals of the Government.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am making no complaint of two days being devoted to the Budget, but on a more fitting occasion I may complain of the general course pursued. I am only saying if we do not complete the stage to-night, I am afraid we cannot take the vote of censure this week.