MR. BEYCEWill the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer say when the Government intend to ask the House to take into consideration the Lords' Amendments to the Small Agricultural Holdings Bill?
§ MR. GOSCHENTo-morrow, I think; but my right hon. Friend the First Lord, who will be in his place presently, will give the hon. Gentleman a more specific answer.
§ MR. H. H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)I desire to ask a question in reference to the ninth Order of the Day, the Public Authorities' Protection Bill. This Bill has not been included in any of the statements which have been made as one of those to be proceeded with. It requires five closely-printed pages to explain its meaning and contains a very long list of repeals; and though it may be—I do not say it is not—a useful measure, yet I do think some little consideration should be given to what must be a great change in the law; and I would ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer or the Attorney General whether it is proposed to proceed with it to-night?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER,) Isle of WightMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer the question. I was not aware that the right hon. Gentleman considered that the Bill required any lengthened investigation, and I have no doubt that if he had had time to bestow upon it he would have found that it is a very simple proposal. The object is to reduce to one simple system those provisions in various Acts of Parliament which relate to the times for notices to be given before proceedings are to be taken. But if the right hon. Gentleman desires to have time to look into it we do not want to press the Bill to-night, and when the Order is reached it will be withdrawn.