§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareI trust that we may be allowed to proceed to the appointment of this Committee, and be enabled to make progress this Session with the inquiry. To that end I appeal to the Welsh Members to withdraw the Amendment for including Wales in the inquiry.
§ MR. S. T. EVANS (Glamorgan, Mid)There is one method of getting the Committee appointed at once, and that is by accepting the Amendments. I can suggest no other alternative.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)That course, I think, would be adopted if the Government were in earnest in the matter.
§ MR. GOSCHENThe Government are certainly in earnest in their desire to proceed, but Wales never has been treated as a separate fixed entity, and it is perfectly impossible for the Government to accept the Amendment. I think the hon. Members from Wales are a little hard on the other members interested.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)On several occasions when I have objected to Motions being taken after 12 o'clock, Members of the Government have pointed out my opposition was absurd, because they were free to put the Motion down as a First Order of the Day. Let the Government do this with the present Motion.
§ MR. S. T. EVANSI should be very glad of the opportunity for discussion.
§ MR. GOSCHENIt is not possible for the Government to find the time for a long discussion; but I am prepared to consult with my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Treasury as to putting the Motion down for a time when hon. Members can record their protest if they will be content with that; but there is not time for a Debate, which would serve no useful purpose.
§ Committee deferred till to-morrow.
§ House adjourned at a quarter after Twelve o'clock.