HC Deb 28 July 1904 vol 138 cc1482-3
MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can arrange that an opportunity will be given for the discussion of the Estimate for the Queen's Colleges in Ireland.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have every hope of being able to make an arrangement which will enable the Queen's College Vote to be discussed. I rather think negotiations have been going on which point to that favourable result.

MR. LONSDALE

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware of the understanding with the Chief Unionist Whip that a full Parliamentary day shall be given for the discussion of the Chief Secretary's salary, and whether he is aware that Irish Unionist Members desire to discuss Constable Anderson's case, and the charges for extra police, subjects which cannot be adequately debated if less than a full sitting is given to them.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have every confidence that time will be given to discuss the Anderson case, which I know interests hon. Gentlemen very deeply.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Has it not been the practice for many years to take into account the wishes of the Opposition in selecting Votes for discussion in Committee of Supply, and may I ask why, in this case, the wishes of the Opposition have been over-ridden, and the desires and convenience of supporters of the Government alone considered.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not think the hon. Member has quite accurately stated the practice. Of course, the object of putting down Supply is that an opportunity should he given of criticising the executive action of the Government, and the natural critics of the Government are chiefly drawn from the other side. But we are occasionally fortunate enough to have upon our own side hon. Gentlemen who desire to call attention to special parts of our policy, and they, of course, deserve consideration as well as hon. Gentlemen opposite.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

May I ask when we may expect the revised Estimate for the Irish Development Grant. It is now nearly the end of the session. Is it again the stone wall of the Treasury?

MR. WYNDHAM

I hope it will be circulated to-morrow or the next day.