§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in the event of the debate on the Amendment of the hon. and learned Member for Dumfries (Mr. Reid) closing that night and the Speaker leaving the Chair, the Government would immediately put down Progress for Monday next, so as to allow hon. Members a day or two for the purpose of considering the numerous Amendments on the Paper?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I may say that it will not be possible for the Government to accede to the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman. There has been great delay—I do not say unnecessary delay, because I wish to refrain from using any language which would create an unpleasant feeling on the other side of the House— but the House must feel, and everyone must feel, that the time already occupied in the discussion of this measure has been unprecedented. The Government are ready to proceed without any delay whatever, and the measure will be taken to-morrow.
§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked whether it was a fact that the First Lord of the Treasury had arranged that there should be only four speeches that night?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHHon. Gentlemen must be aware that it is not in the power of the Leader of the House to make any such arrangement. It is a question within the discretion of the House itself.