§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as copies of the Army Annual Bill, which was down for Second Beading that evening, had not been distributed, he would postpone the measure so as to allow Members the opportunity of making themselves acquainted with its proposals.
§ MR. HALDANEsaid that no one regretted more than he did that, owing to the delay at the printers, there were not more copies at the Vote Office, but he sent to hon. Members interested a copy last week. Copies of the Bill were now available in the Vote Office. He hoped the House would consent to the Second Reading of the Bill that evening, as it contained no new principle, and its proposals could be discussed in Committee, which would be set down for the morning sitting on Wednesday. With the exception of three drafting Amendments, the Bill was identically the same as that of last year.