HC Deb 22 June 1904 vol 136 cc834-5
MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury whether the arrangement stands that the Irish Labourers Bill will be the first order on Friday and the Irish Land Bill the second.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

asked what business would be taken on Monday.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

As regards the Question of the hon. Member for Water-ford whether the arrangement to take the Labourers Bill first on Friday and the Irish Land Bill second will stand, if we finish the Budget Bill to day, as I hope we shall, I see no reason why we should not. If we complete the Committee on the Budget to-day the arrangement will stand, otherwise I shall be obliged to take Friday for the completion of that Bill. On Monday we propose to take the Licensing Bill.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

In the not improbable event of the Budget not being concluded to-night can the right hon. Gentleman give us any assurance that he will give an early day when he will take the Labourers (Ireland) Bill.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The hon. Member knows it is our desire to pass the Bill, but the time that may be occupied with the necessary business of the session rests with others and not with me. At this moment I am not in a position to give any pledge.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in pursuance of distinct and repeated pledges, give an undertaking that this session adequate time shall be given for the discussion of the Labourers Bill.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have said that both the Labourers (Ireland) Bill and the Land Bill are Bills we think ought to be passed, and I really cannot say more. The hon. and learned Gentleman seems to think that this Bill in which he is interested has over and above other Bills been the subject of a special pledge.

Mr. JOHN REDMOND

Repeatedly given.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am not prepared to minimise any statement made by any Minister on the subject, but it will be admitted that the Budget Bill and other Bills immediately in view are Bills the Government are deeply pledged to proceed with.

MR. MACVEAGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last night the Finance Bill was obstructed by Members on his own side because Ministerialists were not in their places?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I refrain from using the word obstruction, but when I say that I have not observed an anxiety to deal with the Bill in a brief and businesslike spirit I trust I do not use an offensive expression, and I think the truth of it will not be denied.