HC Deb 13 June 1904 vol 135 cc1504-5
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I wish to ask about Thursday's arrangements and the main business for next week; I believe there is no great race meeting to necessitate the taking of Bills of small importance.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am sorry the right hon. Gentleman regards the Scotch Education Bill as a matter of such small importance that it requires an apology for taking it. I will state next week's business to-morrow. With regard to Thursday next the postponement of the Vote for the salary of the Secretary of State for War immediately after he has made his statement on proposals with regard to Army reorganisation, would be inconvenient to those who desire to speak on the proposals and to ask Questions concerning them. But I promised the right hon. Gentleman not to ask the Committee to come to a decision next Thursday. If the discussion does not occupy the whole evening Votes 9 and 10 of the Army Estimates will be taken.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of continuing the debate on the Foreign Office Vote? We have not yet discussed the Sugar Convention.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot promise to take the Foreign Office Vote on Thursday so as to allow further discussion on the Sugar Bounty question. That Vote is never concluded until towards the close of the session, because important questions may always arise.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread anxiety in Ireland for the discussion of the Labourers Bill. Will he take it at any early day?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am most anxious to forward the Irish Labourers Bill and the other Irish measures to which the Government is pledged, but cannot at present arrange when they shall be taken.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

The pledge of last session when the portions of the Land Bill dealing with this subject were deleted to facilitate its passing will not be fulfilled by postponement of legislation till the dog days.

MR. WHITLEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman any statement to make with regard to the Finance Bill? He promised one.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have said I will make a statement to-morrow as to the business for next week.