SIR GEORGE LEWISasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as the Bill relating to Exchequer bonds had not been delivered, he would have any objection to postpone the second reading, which stood on the paper for to-night?
TUB CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERreplied, that if the right hon. Gentleman wished to raise a discussion relating particularly to the Exchequer Bonds Bill he would be glad to consult his convenience in every possible way; but if his object simply was to call attention to the financial arrangements of the Government generally, he hoped the right hon. Gentleman would not press for the postponement of that particular measure, which the public interests required should not be arrested unnecessarily in its course. The right hon. Gentleman might make his observations upon the Bill relating to stamps upon checks, or upon that for equalizing the spirit duties in Ireland.
SIR GEORGE LEWISstated that the remarks which he wished to make concerned principally the Exchequer bonds and the War Sinking Fund; and as a Vote had been taken for paying off the existing Exchequer bonds, he was not aware that the passing of this measure was a matter of peculiar urgency. If, however, the Chancellor of the Exchequer thought otherwise, he would reserve what he had to say until the introduction of the Bill relative to the War Sinking Fund.
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERrepeated that it was important the Exchequer Bond Bill should not be postponed; but he would consult those more especially concerned in the question, and acquaint the right hon. Gentleman with the result.
§ Resolutions agreed to.