HC Deb 11 May 1904 vol 134 cc1029-30
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

May I ask whether the First Lord of the Treasury is able to make any statement on the pleasant subject of the holidays?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

As far as I can forecast the course of public business, it will be possible for us to adjourn for the Whitsuntide holiday on Thursday, the 19th, and meet again on Tuesday, May 31st. The Supply for to-morrow, after the Post Office Vote, will be the Customs (Inland Revenue) Vote.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

There is a notice of Motion on the Paper by the President of the Board of Trade that the proceedings upon the Port of London Bill be resumed. That Rill is of a very debateable character, and as the Motion can be taken after 12 o'clock I should like to know whether that is the intention of the Government, or whether the Motion can be taken at an earlier period of the day.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not think any serious inconvenience will occur in taking a division at 12 o'clock. It is not as if there can be a long debate, and I hope no one will wish to divide the House.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Oh, indeed they will. Besides, at 12 o'clock the Horse is very empty.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is quite fit to take a division.

SIR H. CAMPRELL-BANNERMAN

What business will be taken on the day when the House meets after the holidays?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It will be Supply.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

What will be the business on the following day— Derby Day? If the Government will

AYES.
Abraham, William (Cork, N.E.) Arrol, Sir William Balfour, Rt. Hon. G. W. (Leeds
Acland-Hood, Capt Sir Alex F. Atkinson, Rt. Hon. John Barry, E. (Cork. S.)
Agg-Ganlner, James Tynte Balcarres, Lord Beach, Rt. Hn. Sir Mich. Hicks
Anson, Sir William Reynell Balfour, Bt Hn A.J.(Manch'r Boscawen, Arthur Griffith

take non-controversial business on the first few days after the holidays it will be a great convenience.

MR. A.J. BALFOUR

I am in some in arranging business to suit every one, but I will endeavour to make the business for Wednesday and Thursday after the holidays as little congenial to racing men as I can.

SIR J. DICKSON-POYNDER (Wiltshire, Chippenham)

Will an opportunity be found before Whitsuntide for the discussion of the new Army scheme?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Not before Whitsuntide, but at no distant date afterwards.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Will the Motion for the adjournment be moved on Thursday, and will that be the only business?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I intend simply to put down the Motion for the adjournment, and there will be no business after the adjournment is settled.