HC Deb 17 July 1905 vol 149 cc900-1
MR. GIBSON BOWLES

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury can he now say when he proposes to make the Motion whereof notice was given by him three months ago, and which now stands in his name on the Order-book, with reference to adjournments; and can he state whether he intends to make it this session.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have on several occasions indicated to the House that if the proposal were to be treated as uncontentious I would move it, but I have received no assurance from hon. Gentlemen opposite that it would be so treated.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

On the last occasion I raised this question the right hon. Gentleman promised to consider if my Amendment were not uncontentious.

SIR H. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

The right hon. Gentleman may rest assured that the substance of the Resolution is generally approved. We say it ought to be carried a good deal further.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

And therefore it becomes a question of the acceptance of my Amendment.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I certainly cannot accept my hon. friend's Amendment nor do I understand it would be treated as non-contentious. I may be mistaken, but I understand the right hon. Gentleman opposite to say that whether the Motion be in the form in which it appears on the Paper or whether in the form my hon. friend desires to see it voted, it would not meet the views of hon. Gentlemen opposite, who hold that a much more extensive change is required.