§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling, &c.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury a question of which I have given the right hon. Gentleman private notice regarding the Scotch Private Bills Procedure Bill. It is whether, with a view to secure general agreement on the subject, Her Majesty's Government will be willing to re-consider their present proposals, and whether, instead of sending Scotch Bills to a Commission established in Scotland, they will be willing that such Bills should be referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses, with power to conduct an inquiry in Scotland; and further, whether, if that alternative is adopted, the necessity for legislation may not be avoided?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHIn reply to the right hon. Gentleman I have to say that the Government consider that the principle of the measure is that there should be a local inquiry with respect to those Bills. They have never attached importance to the constitution of the Commission, and I have already stated that they will be perfectly prepared to consider suggestions for a modification of the Commission, and there will be every disposition on the part of the Government to meet the views of the right hon. Gentleman, if it were practicable, that a Commission consisting of two Members of the House of Commons and two Members of the House of Lords should conduct this inquiry. But as to the further suggestion that the change might be effected by means of Standing Orders instead of by Bill, I am not satisfied that it would be practicable, and I have not had time to consider the suggestion which was made to me this morning. I will, however, communicate with the authorities of the other House and of this House as to the expediency of the course which the right hon. Gentleman suggests. But I am rather disposed to think that the better way would be to proceed by Bill.
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI do not wish to suggest that it would be desirable to withdraw the Bill. I only desire to point out that if it is unnecessary to proceed by legislation there will be a saving of time to the Government and the House.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman.
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANWill the right hon. Gentleman, in these circumstances, proceed with the nomination of the Select Committee?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI think it is only reasonable that the nomination of the Committee should be postponed for a few days.