HC Deb 26 June 1905 vol 148 cc104-5
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

asked as to the arrangements for business.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

said it was proposed to take Committee on the Aliens Bill on Tuesday and Wednesday, and for financial reasons it would be necessary to take Vote 8 for the Navy on Thursday, the Post Office set down for that day being postponed for a week. Probably the Aliens Bill would be taken on Monday next.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I was under the impression that for weeks the arrangement had been to take the Post Office Vote next week.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I believe that was the arrangement provisionally made, but circumstances having rendered it necessary to postpone it my right hon. friend the Patronage Secretary of the Treasury communicated the fact to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Leeds. The House will understand we do this with great regret, but I hope to take the Post Office Vote on Thursday week.

CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)

Was I not given a definite promise by the Postmaster-General, which was communicated to me by the Secretary to the Treasury, that the Post Office Vote should be taken next Thursday. May we rely on it being taken next week, or will the date be again shifted to the great inconvenience of Members.

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (Sir A. ACLAND-HOOD,) Somersetshire, Wellington

Yes, there was a definite arrangement made, and I much regret that circumstances have arisen which necessitate a change of date.

CAPTAIN NORTON

May I take it definitely that it will be put down for Thursday in next week.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

assented.