§ SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)asked the hon. Member for Glasgow (Dr. Cameron), Whether there was any doubt about his proceeding with the Licensed Premises (Earlier Closing) (Scotland) Bill that night?
§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)said, before he answered the Question he wished to ask the Leader of the House whether, considering the fact that on Friday last he gave way in proceeding with the Bill for the convenience of the House, the right hon. Gentleman would, if he again postponed the Bill that night, grant him similar facilities for proceeding with it to those he had granted the hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Bradlaugh) in proceeding with the Bill which he had in charge?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)said, it was quite obvious that if the Government endeavoured to facilitate the progress of Bills in charge of private Members, they would expose themselves to great difficulties. He could only appeal to the hon. Gentleman not to bring this measure on at an hour which would expose the House to the inconvenience of sitting up to a late period. He was sure he would feel that the conduct of Public Business was not satisfactory at 3, 4, and 5 o'clock in the morning. He would endeavour to do his best to find an opportunity for considering the Bill, if the hon. Member, on his part, would endeavour to seize such opportunities as would offer themselves to him.
§ DR. CAMERONsaid, he would undertake not to proceed that night with the Bill at a late hour if the right hon. Gentleman would give him the facilities he asked for.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he could not give the hon. Member any absolute pledge. Certainly he would endeavour to meet the hon. Gentleman as far as he possibly could.
§ DR. CAMERONOn that understanding I may say if the Bill comes on at an unreasonable hour I shall not go on with it.