HC Deb 21 April 1899 vol 70 cc218-9
MR. COHEN (Islington, E.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the importance of passing the London Government Bill through Committee before the Whitsun Recess, he will arrange for the Committee stage of that Bill to be taken on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in each week, commencing on the 24th instant?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)

We propose to begin the discussion on the London Government Bill on Monday, and it would be obviously convenient to carry on the discussion de die in diem, with the exception, for the present at least, of Wednesdays, and any exception we have to make with regard to the Budget. I propose, therefore, to move on Monday— That the several stages of the London Government Bill and the Finance Bill have precedence of all Orders of the Day and Notices of Motion on every day on which they are set down on the Order Paper.

MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

Will the right honourable Gentleman take into consideration the posibility of morning sittings on Tuesday so as to give private Members an opportunity of moving their Motions between 9 o'clock and midnight? It would not be much inconvenience to the House, while it would be a great boon to private Members.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I suppose that we shall have to debate this question on Monday, therefore I do not think it desirable that we should engage in an informal Debate now across the floor of the House. But, considering the state of public business, the honourable Member will see how desirable it is that adequate opportunity should be given for the discussion of the larger Bill. I propose, probably on Monday, to take the discussion on the Committee with regard to Old-Age Pensions and the Poor Law.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

First thing?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Probably.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (King's Lynn)

When will the. Second Reading of the Finance Bill be taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I must not be understood to give a pledge, but it will probably be desirable to take the Second Reading of the Finance Bill on Monday week.