§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he can make any statement about affording facilities for the passing of certain non-contentious private Bills in which substantial progress has already been made.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAs my noble friend and the House are aware, no Bills are starred on the Order Paper at this period of the session but those to which it is fully clear no opposition is expected, and if opposition unexpectedly arises it is impossible for the Government to persevere with the starred Bill. With that qualification I understand that the Public Libraries Bill, which has reached the Report stage, and of which my noble friend has charge, is one which, I think, might be properly starred, also the Bishopric of Southwark Bill, the County Councils (Bye-laws) Bill, and the Purchase of Land (Ireland) Bill.
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE (Wiltshire, Cricklade)Is not the Bishopric of Southwark Bill opposed?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand not.
§ MR. CHARLES M'ARTHUR (Liverpool, Exchange)Has not notice of opposition been given from both sides of the House? Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that we shall have full opportunity of discussing it?
MR. JAMES LOWTHERAfter what hour will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors to Children Bill shall not be brought on?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAt this period of the session it is dangerous to give any pledge of that nature. Of course, I am anxious that no important discussion shall be brought on late.
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEHow is it that this Bill is not starred?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt is treated as a starred Bill.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIS not that a matter for Mr. Speaker to decide?
§ *MR. SPEAKERThe Government have announced to the House that they intend to treat it starred Bill.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYBut how are private members to know? Is it done merely in order to escape the twelve o'clock rule?
§ *MR. SPEAKERIf the point is raised at the proper time I shall be prepared to deal with it.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)May I press the right hon. Gentleman to fix some limit of time after which the Sale to Children Bill will not be taken?
MR. JAMES LOWTHERIs it not the fact that the Amendments introduced in the Grand Committee have altogether altered the nature of the Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe effect of the Amendments introduced is not to make the Bill a new Bill, but they may be better described as in the direction of "cautious" legislation.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to bring it on after one o'clock?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI hope my right hon. friend will not press that. It is absolutely necessary we should make some personal sacrifice in order to bring the session to a close.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to bring it on after four a.m.?
§ MR. DAVID MACIVER (Liverpool, Kirkdale)In view of the considerable opposition to it, does the right hon. Gentleman intend to bring on the Supreme Court of Judicature Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI confess I have the very faintest hopes of that.
§ MR. CALDWELL (Lanarkshire, Mid)asked if questions could not now be commenced at 3.15.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURYes, I under stand that private business is now concluded, and on and after to-morrow public business will commence at 3.15.
§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)Will the Naval Works Bill be the first Order for Wednesday?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURYes, that is my expectation, but it depends largely on what happens to-night and to-morrow. I must be allowed some latitude as to the arrangement of business.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDWhen do you propose to take the Irish Bills?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will communicate with the hon. Gentleman on that point.