§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMay I ask how far the Government intend to go with the Budget Resolutions to-night?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs far as we can reasonably get. We shall leave the matter to the House.
§ Mr. W. REDMONDWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House his idea of reasonableness?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe shall be guided entirely by the general wish of the House.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLMay I ask when the Prime Minister intends to move the adjournment for the Whitsuntide recess?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROn Thursday, and I think it would be for the general convenience that we should have a morning sitting.
§ Mr. A. J. BALFOURAt 10 o'clock?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes.
§ Mr. BALFOURI quite understand the view of the Prime Minister as to the convenience of having an early sitting; but if the Debate begins at 10 o'clock, it can hardly be a Debate in the ordinary sense of the word, and I am afraid the result would be, practically, to deprive the House of its ordinary privilege of raising any matter on the Motion for adjournment. As far as I know, my Friends have nothing particular to raise—at all events, I have nothing to raise; therefore, I am speaking in the general interest of the House. I think it would be undesirable to meet at so early an hour.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI quite recognise the force of the right hon. Gentleman's remarks. I thought an early sitting would be for the general convenience, so that Members could get away by the afternoon trains; but, of course, if it is generally desired, a later hour can be arranged.