§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If the notices of opposition, set down against several Bills and Motions of much public interest and importance by the Junior Lord of the Treasury, are to be taken as the dissent of Her Majesty's Government to the principles of such Bills or Motions, or only to the time of night at which they may be brought forward for discussion?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)My hon. Friend will understand that it is impossible for me to give a categorical answer to his Question. In some cases the Government object to the principles involved in the Bills or Motions which stand for consideration; but in by far the greater number they are of opinion that the importance of the questions involved requires that they should be dealt with by the House at an earlier hour than 12.30. I wish it was possible to secure that important questions should not be taken at an hour that would not insure for them full consideration without putting a block against them.