§ MR. LOUGH) (Islington, W.I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, seeing that only one day's sittings were allowed for discussion of the Brussels Sugar Convention and in view of the number of Members on both sides of the House who still desire to speak upon it, the Government can see its way to introduce the Bill for the ratification of the Convention during the present session, in order that a further opportunity for discussion may be given before the obligations which the Convention will impose upon this country are entered into.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESMay I ask the First Lord, in view of the fact that many Members—among them myself—desire to speak on this subject, to consider whether it would not be preferable that the Convention should be discussed, not in this sitting of the House, but in the next session, when there will be more time.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo doubt, as my hon. friend suggests, there will be an opportunity of discussing the principle of the Convention in connection with the Bill which it will be the duty of the Government to bring in. As regards the Question on the Paper in the name of the hon. Gentleman opposite, I have to say, what can be no matter of surprise to the House, that the business which we have to get through before the House is prorogued is of so pressing a character that I do not think it possible to give any additional time for the discussion of the Resolution which was passed the other day.
§ MR. LOUGHWill this opportunity for further discussion be given before the ratification of the treaty takes place?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, I think not.
MR. JAMES LOWTHERWill reasonable facilities be afforded to hon. Members on both sides for the discussion of the Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURWhat my right hon. friend is asking is that I should 631 give some account of the business of next session, in regard to a Bill not yet introduced. I should regret any curtailment of the amount of debate which hon. Gentlemen desire, but I can give no specific pledge.