§ MR. BRYCEI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can now inform the House on what day he proposes to introduce the Bill which has been promised for dealing with the difficulties that have arisen in Scotland in connection with the property of the Free Church and the United Free Church.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAs I have previously said, I have every expectation of being able to introduce this Bill before Whitsuntide, but short of that general statement I do not think I can give any precise information on the subject of the Question.
§ MR. BRYCEI suppose the right hon. Gentleman is aware that great impatience on this subject exists in Scotland?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUROh, yes; I am aware of that impatience, and I think the anxiety on the subject is well justified, but I doubt whether time would really be gained by modifying the general outline of policy.
§ MR. BUCHANAN (Perthshire, E.)As the General Assemblies meet this week could the right hon. Gentleman not arrange to have, this Bill introduced while they are still in session?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am aware that the General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Churches in Scotland meet this week, and that was one of the reasons why I thought it might not be desirable to introduce the Bill during their session.