§ 47. Mr. NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the wish in all quarters of the House that the Christmas recess should be extended over the New Year; whether he has come to any decision in the matter; and whether, in the event of any prolongation of the recess being decided on, it is the intention of the Government to expedite the passage of measures of importance by taking the same on Saturdays in addition to Fridays on the reassembling of the House?
§ 54. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that New Year's Day in Scotland is celebrated in precisely the same way as Christmas Day is in England; and whether, in view of that fact, he will consider the advisability of altering the date on which the House rises from the 20th to the 23rd or 24th December, in order to carry the resumption of business over New Year's Day, and so not only suit the convenience of all Members of the House, but make an equable concession to the national sentiment of all sections of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI fear I can hold out no hope of an alteration of the arrangements already announced with regard to the Christmas recess.
§ Mr. NEWMANWill the right hon. Gentleman give us adequate notice if the Government determine to have Saturday sittings?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have said nothing about Saturday sittings.
§ Mr. NEWMANAre we not to have them?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is the hon. Gentleman's suggestion, not mine.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs there any truth in the rumour that the Lords Amendments to the Scotch Temperance Bill are to be taken after Eleven o'clock on the night of the 31st December?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the answer.