§ MR. SHAW-STEWART (Renfrew, E.)May I ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether there is any foundation for the rumour that the Government intend to withdraw the Public Health Clauses of the Burgh Police and Health (Scotland) Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand that a rumour has got abroad that I have entered into an arrangement with an hon. Member by which the Bill is to be altered in the sense indicated in the question. I had some conversation on the subject, and it is possible that a compromise between those who object to the 1651 Bill in its present shape, and those who desire to see it passed, may be come to on the lines suggested; but I never indicated that it was my opinion that that course ought to be pursued. I should be sorry to express an opinion on it, and it certainly is a course which cannot be decided upon by any private agreement. I hope some arrangement may be come to, for the Bill is of a character that it cannot pass through its stages without general consent.
§ DR. CLARKPerhaps I may be allowed to say that the only thing the right hon. Gentleman agreed to was that he would pass over the Public Health Clauses as contentious clauses, leaving questions in relation to these for further consideration?