§ MR. BRYCE () Aberdeen, S.I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he intends to take the Second Reading of the Companies Bill before the Easter vacation; and, if so, whether he will undertake, having regard to the prominent place occupied by the Bill in Her Majesty's gracious Speech and the wide interest felt in it, that at least three days notice shall be given of the day when it will be taken.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will endeavour to give the notice which the right hon. Gentleman desires.
§ SIR JOHN BRUNNERWill it be taken before Easter?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI hope so.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLMay we assume that a week's notice will be given?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am afraid that that would be impossible. I am anxious to meet the views of hon. Gentlemen, but the Government must not tie its hands too closely.