On Tuesday Sir Michael Hicks-Beach made-his statement as to the
intentions of the new Administration in relation to policy and legislation, which he took occasion to do when asking the House to give Government business a priority on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as on Mondays and Thursdays, for the remainder of the Session. This request was not, he said, a request for a vote of confidence. It was simply a request for power to wind up the business of the Session as rapidly as possible, in order that there might be ample time to prepare for the Dissolution in November. The time asked for would be used principally in taking votes of supply and votes in the Committee of Ways and Means. The Government would wish to proceed with the Federal Council of Australasia Bill, the India Loan Bill, the Irish Labourers Bill, the Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officers) Bill, and the Summary Jurisdiction Bill. Also, they would be very glad to further the passing of Lord Rosebery's Secretary of Scotland Bill. They hoped, too, to state what they proposed as to Land Purchase in Ireland, and to pass their measure if it should appear that it would be acceptable to the House.
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