The Parliamentary event of the week has been the all-night
sitting of the House of Commons, or rather its continuous sitting-of nearly twenty-six hours' duration, which began at the usual hour on Tuesday—i.$., 2 o'clock—and lasted till 3.40 on Wednesday. Mr. Balfour was determined to force the Finance Bill through Committee, and the Opposition were equally determined to prevent what they declared was the unfair pressure of the Government. The net result of the proceedings was that though the Committee stage was- carried, the House was not able to deal with the Licensing Bill, which was to have been taken on Wednesday, but was adjourned. It was also agreed that the Colonial Vote should be taken on Thursday, and the report stage of the Finance Bill on Friday. The adjourned discussion on the Army scheme is also held over, and Monday, August let (Bank- holiday), has been chosen as the day on which Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman is to move a vote of censure on the Government. This Motion expresses regret that certain of his Majesty's Ministers have accepted official positions in a political organisation which has formally declared its adhesion to a policy of Preferential duties involving the f‘ taxation of food." The Duke of Devonshire will be moving a somewhat similar Motion in the House of Lords as we go to press, but comment on this will have to be held over till next week.
Previous page
