HC Deb 11 June 1888 vol 326 cc1716-7
SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the Solicitor General spoke on behalf of the Government, when he stated, as he is reported by the Morning Advertiser to have done, on June 6— That after to-morrow the Local Government Bill would be taken diligently, and, if necessary, the Standing Orders would be suspended to pass it; and, whether there is really any intention on the part of the Government to take these exceptional means for promoting the Bill?

MR. SUMMERS (Huddersfield)

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that Question, I wish to ask whether there is any foundation for the statement which appeared in The Standard and other newspapers, to the effect that the Government have determined to drop for the present Session the Licensing Clauses?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

I think the hon. Gentleman who has asked me the last Question has probably attached an interpretation to the paragraph which appeared in The Standard which accords with his own views; but I have the satisfaction of telling him that, as far as I read those paragraphs, they did not convey the interpretation which he has made. The Government have not come to any determination of the kind of which he speaks. In answer to the Question of the hon. Baronet, I have not seen the report in The Morning Advertiser alluded to; but I have no hesitation in assuring him that the Local Government Bill will be taken as often as the state of Business will permit, and that the Government will use all the means in their power, and compatible with the Rules and Regulations of the House, to push the Bill forward. I have said so repeatedly. My hon. and learned Friend (the Solicitor General) tells me that his statement has not been accurately re- ported. I have not seen that report myself; but it appears to me extraordinary that the hon. Baronet should have asked me whether we were really in earnest in pressing the Bill forward.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

What I want to know is, what is intended by the expression, "The Standing Orders would be suspended?"

MR. W. H. SMITH

My hon. and learned Friend said he did not use that expression. Certainly his statement did not mean anything more than what would be in accordance with the usages of Parliament. In an emergency it would be the duty of the Government fairly and reasonably to press this measure forward.

Subsequently,

MR. CAINE (Barrow-in Furness)

asked: When will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he is going to go on with the clauses dealing with the Licensing Question in the Local Government Bill?

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

May I ask if the Government are deferring answering that Question until after the Ayr Election?

MR. W. H. SMITH

It may amuse the hon. Baronet to make any statement he may think fit with regard to the Ayr Election. In answer to the hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Caine), I have to repeat that the Government have not come to any decision of the kind mentioned in his Question. Should there be any necessity for taking a different course to that proposed, the Government would make a statement as soon as the decision was come to; but at present I am unable to say.

MR. CAINE

Are we to understand, then, in the meanwhile, that the Government have decided to go on with the Licensing Clauses?

MR. W. H. SMITH

Certainly, Sir.

MR. CAINE

Thank you.