§ MR. WINSTON CHURCHILLMay I ask when it is proposed to take the Second Reading of the Finance Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThat depends on the progress of business.
§ MR. CHAPLIN (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)Arising out of that answer may I ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, before the House separates this week, he will be able to state definitely, for the convenience of a large number of Members, if the Finance Bill will be taken before Whitsuntide or after? I hope it is not an unreasonable request to make.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think the Question of my right hon. friend is most reasonable, but whether I can answer it or not is another matter. Of course, I shall do my best to give the House the earliest information as to the arrangement of business we are able to make.
§ MR. BRYCEDoes the right hon. Gentleman seriously entertain the impression that it will be possible to enter upon any long business after the conclusion of the proceedings 1360 on the London Education Bill next week? Surely he must have studied the matter sufficiently to know how much remains to be done on the Bill.
§ No reply was made.
MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)I understood the First Lord of the Treasury to say yesterday that the Finance Bill would not be taken the first day after the holidays.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIf the Finance Bill is to be deferred until after the Whitsuntide holidays, undoubtedly I shall not ask the House to take it the morning we reassemble. While I do not pledge myself to it, in all probability it will be taken on the Tuesday.
§ MR. CHAPLINWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us in the course of to-morrow if the Bill will be taken before or after Whitsuntide? There is a strong desire to know, and I think the request is a reasonable one.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe request, I admit, is reasonable, but my right hon. friend seems to think my reply unreasonable. It is my desire to give the House the earliest possible information, and as soon as I am in a position I will do so.