§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that the Government 563 declare their unwillingness to go on with the Crofters Act Amendment Bill, should it be opposed, he will state if any efforts have been made to arrive at an understanding with the Leader of the Opposition in order that this measure may be carried before the close of the Session; if no efforts in the direction indicated have been made, will he consider the desirability of making them forthwith, and, if possible, coming to an arrangement; and whether, seeing that the Government have a majority of from 30 to 40, he will re-consider his decision, and resolve to carry the Bill by the adoption of the Closure, if necessary?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTI have already stated I did not propose to proceed with the Bill if it were opposed. The Government cannot carry a Bill by the Closure which they say they will not proceed with if it is opposed.
§ * MR. WEIRAm I to understand that the Chancellor of the Exchequer objects to use his efforts and his talents on behalf of the Highland crofters in the manner indicated in my question?
§ DR. MACGREGOR (Inverness-shire)May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Prime Minister promised the crofters this measure this Session in his Edinburgh speech?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTWe should have been glad to have carried the Bill if we could; but, under the circumstances, we are unable to do so.
§ DR. MACGREGORYou have not tried.
§ SIR W. HARCOURTI know that my hon. Friend has promised to visit us with all kinds of pains and penalties in case this Bill is not carried; but I am afraid that we shall have to endure them.
§ DR. MACGREGORIs this Bill more contentious than other Bills—than the Budget, for instance?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTI am afraid I can hardly ask the House to devote as much time to this Bill as to the Budget.