HC Deb 06 March 1905 vol 142 cc430-1
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

Has the right hon. Gentleman any statement to make with regard to public business?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

On Tuesday I propose to put down the Civil Service Supplementary Estimates, Class 5, Somaliland, and the remaining Votes in the Army Supplementary Estimates. On Wednesday I shall proceed with the Supplementary Estimates if they are not finished on Tuesday, and on Thursday I shall take the Navy Votes.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

asked if the Navy Votes could not be put off till next week, as they really had no information before them.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not think there is need for any long delay. Hon. Gentlemen inform me that they are already in possession of very full information.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I asked for certain information at Question time to-day, which I considered very material, and was told it would not be ready for a fortnight.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I understand that that information is germane to Vote 8 rather than to the debate on Vote A and Vote 1.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

Vote 8 should be discussed with Vote A.

SIR ALBERT ROLLIT

asked in what order the Estimates would be taken on Wednesday? Would the Army or Civil Service come first.

Mr. A. J. BALFOUR

It depends very much on the progress we make to-morrow. Perhaps the hon. Member will ask at the conclusion of that sitting.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

said it was desired to have a general discussion on Somaliland dealing with both the military and the civil administration. Would it not, therefore, be better to put the Army Estimates down first.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think the course I suggest would be the most convenient to the House.