§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—(Mr. Jackson.)
1946§ MR. ESSLEMONT (Aberdeen, S.)said, he hoped the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury (Mr. W. H. Smith) would say what he proposed to do with regard to Scotch Business. Many Scotch Members had made arrangements in the belief that Wednesday would be given up to the discussion of Scotch measures. In the event of the Scotch Members being deprived of the main portion of Wednesday, would the opportunity be given of renewing the consideration of Scotch Business on Thursday, for a portion of the day at all events? Great inconvenience would result to many of his hon. Friends if the Business were delayed.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)said, he was well aware of the inconvenience that would result to hon. Members by delay, and he greatly regretted it. He had hoped to conclude the Report on the Commission Bill to-night, and thus be able to place the whole of Wednesday at the disposal of Scotch Members. The Bail Bill was put down for to-morrow, and he trusted it might be reached in sufficient time to be disposed of. If that should, unfortunately, not be the case, he would endeavour to make arrangements to suit the convenience of Scotch Members.
§ MR. ESSLEMONTOn Thursday?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he would endeavour to do so if possible.
§ MR. ESSLEMONTsaid, he thought it was as well they should know at once whether any more Scotch Business was to be taken this Session?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he could not speak positively until he saw what was done to-morrow.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)asked, if it was to be understood that the third reading of the Commission Bill would be taken immediately after Report?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHThat is the understanding.
MR. W. P. SINCLAIR&c.) (Falkirk,asked, what was the intention of the Government with regard to the Scotch Burgh Police and Health Bill. Would it be taken on Thursday, or postponed until the Sitting in the autumn?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he would endeavour to ascertain whether there was any reasonable hope of the Bill 1947 passing on Thursday. Representations had been made to him that considerable objection was entertained to the Bill; if that was so, it would clearly be a waste of time to take the Bill on Thursday.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONsaid, that when he spoke just now of an understanding he did not speak for anyone else but himself.
§ THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)reminded the House that the conversation a short time ago only had reference to the Amendments to the Charges and Allegations Bill on Report.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.