§ REPORT.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. GEORGE RUSSELL, North Beds.)said, it was proposed to take the next stage of this Bill on an early day at 11 o'clock. They would break off the other business at that hour in order that he might make a brief statement as to the necessity for the Bill. He did not think that more than an hour would be required for that statement, and the brief discussion that might follow it. But the Second Reading would be taken subsequently at an earlier hour, which would afford the opportunity of a full Debate.
§ MR. E. STANHOPE (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)said, he thought 11 o'clock was far too late an hour to introduce such an important subject. This was one of the most important Bills submitted to Parliament for a long time. The Opposition expected to hear a full statement, and the hon. Member must not be surprised if even at that late hour they put certain questions to him for the purpose of eliciting answers.
§ MR. GEORGE RUSSELLsaid, it would not take more than 10 minutes to state the objects of the Bill.
§ SIR J. GORST (Cambridge University)The hon. Gentleman has stated that the next stage of the Bill will be taken on a subsequent day, but he did not state at what hour it would be taken.
§ MR. GEORGE RUSSELLI am not in a position to say, but it will not be at 11 o'clock. It will be at such early and convenient hour as may be fixed upon after consultation with hon. Gentlemen opposite.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. MARJORIBANKS, Berwickshire)The Chancellor of the Exchequer has been in communication with the late Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject, and I have no doubt that such an hour will be fixed upon as will be to the general convenience of Members.
§ Report deferred till To-morrow.