§ MR. S. C. BUXTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he can now state definitely on what day he proposes to introduce the London Government Bill; and, whether, having regard to the state of Public Business, and to the anxiety of the ratepayers of London to learn the provisions of the Measure, he will consider the propriety of devoting a Morning Sitting before Easter to the Debate on such Measure?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI am very anxious to get the earliest day possible for this Bill; but I am afraid I can say no more than that I will obtain for it the earliest day I can after the second reading of the Representation of the People Bill, and after the Financial Statement has been disposed of. The hon. Member asks whether I will consider the propriety of devoting a Morning Sitting before Easter to the Bill. I am I unable so long beforehand to say anything about a Morning Sitting for the purpose. That will be a matter for future consideration.
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSasked if the London Government Bill would take precedence of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Bill?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTAs only the first reading of the London Government Bill is in question, I do not contemplate that the two things will necessarily clash.
§ MR. J. G. TALBOTsaid, he hoped the Home Secretary would undertake to introduce the London Government Bill before Easter.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI cannot give an undertaking of that kind.
MR. GORSTasked whether the measure would take precedence of the Merchant Shipping Bill?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTThe introduction of the London Government Bill will take place at the earliest time after the second reading of the Representation of the People Bill and the Financial Statement.