§ Order for Committee read.
§ (12.36.) MR. T. M. HEALYI would put it to Her Majesty's Government that we cannot, at the Morning Sitting tomorrow, discuss the Clauses of the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill which bear upon the subject we have decided to-night. Four clauses of the Bill have been postponed. As to that part which was not postponed, we are unanimously agreed; but we disagree as to the postponed clauses, and I would urge on the Government, in a spirit of friendship- -deprecating in the strongest degree anything in the nature of a hostile attitude —that, in the interests of the taxpayers and of the finance of the country, the clauses as to which we are not agreed should be added to the Bill, the Second Reading of which we have just passed. If the Government will concede this point I can assure them that the concession will not be regarded by hon. Members on these Benches in a spirit of triumph, or as giving us an opportunity to crow over them; and I think I can also assure them that they will get their Budget Bill with unanimity. If they accept my suggestion we shall have a contentious Bill and a non-contentious Bill, and the latter will pass with unanimity.
§ *(.12.36.) MR. W. H. SMITHI fully endorse the sentiment of the hon. and 1058 learned Member, and trust that there will be no acrimony on either side in regard to this matter; and if the Government are unable to accept the suggestion he has made, I trust it will not be considered that it is owing to hostility to himself or his proposal. The tax the hon. Member has referred to is being levied in accordance with the Resolution of the House, and it would occasion considerable inconvenience if delay occurred in putting the Resolution into an Act of Parliament. Though part of the proposed taxes are to be applied to licensing reform, there are other important portions bearing upon other matters which require the sanction of Parliament at an early date. Under the circumstances, I think the hon. Gentleman will see we are justified in withholding our assent to his proposal.
§ Committee deferred until to-morrow at Two of the clock.