§ MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)I wish to ask the First Lord of the Treasury a question of which I have been unable to give notice. I see that the Government have put down for Wednesday a rather controversial measure connected with the London County Council. I wish to ask whether it is not unprecedented, or, at all events, unusual, to put down for Wednesday, which is a Private Members' day, a Government Bill which must take a considerable time in discussion? Does not such a course trench unfairly on the rights of Private Members?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI have very little doubt that there is a precedent for the course which the Government have taken; but I am unable to refer the hon. Member to any without notice. It is not at all an uncommon thing for Private Business to be taken on Wednesday, and the Bill to which the hon. Member refers is in the nature of Private Business, though the President of the Local Government Board makes a Motion. But I have no doubt that the President of the Local Government Board will move the Adjournment of the Debate at a reasonable hour in the afternoon, so as to give an opportunity for the consideration of the next business , on the Paper.
§ MR. S. T. EVANS (Glamorgan, Mid)The first Motion stands in my name, and I should like to know whether the right hon. Gentleman will state positively that, if the Debate on the Private Business is likely to take much time, the adjournment will be moved so as to enable a Division to be taken on my Motion.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHThe Private Business has been put down at the request of the County Council, and a further postponement of the Order might greatly imperil the County Council's financial plans. [Cries of " Thursday !"] I could not consent to put down the Bill for Thursday. Five and a half hours is time sufficient to. allow of adequate debate on the hon. Member's Bill.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)May I ask what will be the business at the-Morning Sitting next Friday?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHWe hope to dispose of the Budget Statement on Thursday, and then we shall proceed with the Land Purchase Bill on Friday.