§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)Perhaps the right honourable Gentleman can now state what the definite course of public business next week will be?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI have done my best to consider the appeal made to me by the right honourable Gentleman that the discussion upon the Second Reading of the London Government Bill should not begin at a period so late in our labours before Easter, as Monday week, which had been my original proposition. I feel the force of what the right honourable Gentleman said, especially as I learn from such sources of information as are open to me that it is possible, or even probable, that honourable Gentlemen opposite, and perhaps I ought to say honourable Gentlemen on both sides of the House, may desire more than two days for the discussion of the Bill. Under these circumstances, as I am afraid it is impossible, consistently with the due conduct of public business, to postpone the Second Reading until after Easter, there is no choice open to me but to ask the House to fix Tuesday for the beginning of the Debate, which will be continued on Thursday, and, if it be necessary, on the Monday. The Friday will be devoted to getting the Speaker out of the Chair on the Civil Service Estimates.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe right honourable Gentleman will not be surprised to know that there will be considerable objection to the taking of Tuesday, and the sacrifice of another private Members' night. I would also say that there would be great inconvenience in the discussion of a. Bill of
§ this kind being taken piecemeal, and I would suggest that if the Debate is not finished on Thursday it might be continued on Friday instead of being postponed until Monday.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYAs the House knows, I am unwilling to interfere with the Friday rule unless it is necessary. There is, of course, provision in the Standing Order for other business than Supply being taken on the Friday, and for that Motion being put and decided without Debate. No doubt there are reasons why it would be convenient to finish the Debate on Friday, and, if the appeal is made to me, I will gladly accede to it. In that case. Monday will be devoted to getting the Speaker out of the Chair.
DR. FAROUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)Will the Private Bill Procedure (Scotland) Bill be taken before Easter?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYIf honourable Gentlemen will co-operate with the Government, we might take it on the Tuesday before we separate.