§ Mr. GOULDINGasked the Prime Minister whether he can state the date on which the Whitsuntide Recess will begin; and whether proper provision will be made for the continuance of old age pension during the time the House is up?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps with the indulgence of the House I may here make the statement which I have promised to make to the House to-day (Thursday). I do so, because I want to pay a tribute to the memory of an hon. Member of this House whose loss we all deplore.
On Monday next, April 18th, we intend to take the Allocation of Time Motion relating to the Finance Bill, as passed through the House of Commons last Session, and the Eleven o'clock Rule will be suspended. There will also be a Motion on Monday to enable the Report stage of the Vote on Account to have precedence over private Members' Bills on Friday, 22nd instant. On Tuesday, 19th, and Wednesday, 20th, in accordance with the provisions of the Motion which we hope to secure on Monday, the first Order will be the Ways and Means Resolutions relating to last year's Budget, the Committee stage of which, if not previously brought to a conclusion, will terminate at seven o'clock on Wednesday evening, and will be immediately followed by the consequent stages of Ways and Means (Financial Resolutions).
The proceedings on Wednesday are so arranged that the private Member's Motion set down for that day will be respected.
On Thursday, 21st April, we propose to take the Committee stage of the Vote on Account, and
On Friday, the 22nd, the Report on that Vote.
It may be for the convenience of the House if I indicate, as far as I can, the business of the succeeding week.
On Monday, 25th April, Tuesday, 26th April, and Wednesday, 27th April, we propose to proceed with the Budget, in accordance with the terms of the Allocation of Time Motion which appears on the Paper to-day.
On Thursday, 28th April, we hope to move the Adjournment of the House for the Spring Recess. It may possibly be that a formal sitting may be necessary on Friday, 29th April, to receive the Royal Assent to the Finance Bill and other Bills.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI understand there will be no Consolidated Fund Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. D. A. THOMASCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us what will fee the length of the Spring Recess?
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI was going to ask the same question, fan the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication as to the length of the Recess: and would he say whether it is a fact that the Government are now paying money without any Parliamentary authority for certain Services?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice as to the latter part of the question. With regard to the length of the Recess, I hope it will be a substantial one, at any rate extending over three weeks.
§ Mr. GOULDINGWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the latter part of my question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think it calls for any answer.
§ Mr. GOULDINGMay I ask the Prime Minister whether it is not a fact that only sufficient money has been taken up to 13th May, and whether all authority for expenditure on old age pensions will not by that date expire?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNot at all. We shall take a Vote on Account next week.
Captain CRAIGWill the right hon. Gentleman say why he has cut out the Bill of my hon. Friend dealing with Poor Law in Ireland, while he has given all his Radical friends a chance?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf we get the Report stage of the Vote on Account reasonably early that Bill can go on.
§ Lord HUGH CECILMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman for how long he is going to take the Vote on Account?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think for about six weeks.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the Motion on Wednesday, the 27th, will be left to private Members?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps the hon. Member will repeat that question?