§ MR. EDWARD CLARKEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the facts that there is now no prospect of a Bankruptcy Bill being introduced by the Government during the present Session, and that a Bill brought in at the instance of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, which has been read a second time has been blocked by the President of the Board of Trade, he will use his influence with the President of the Board of Trade to induce him to remove the block and to permit the Bill to be considered in Committee?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINSir, the Bankruptcy Bill referred to by the hon. and learned Member was read the second time late at night in a thin House, and after a proposal to adjourn the debate had been lost by a small majority. The proposals of the Bill, in my opinion, offer no foundation for a satisfactory amendment of the law; and as the subject is of great importance, I cannot consent to the debate being taken at an hour when there is no time for adequate discussion.
§ MR. EDWARD CLARKEasked whether the Government were prepared to give facilities for the discussion of the Bill at a time when it could be reasonably considered?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINsaid, he did not think it would be possible to give any such assurance in the present state of Public Business.