§ MR. BRYCEasked the Prime Minister whether he would arrange the Order Paper for the evening sitting so as to take the Shop Hours Bill first. He also suggested that as there appeared on the Orders a number of measures which the Government had announced their intention to drop it would be as well to clear them off.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURagreed that it would be as well to do so. With regard to the Shop Hours Bill he sympathised with the desire to see it passed, but said other measures must be proceeded with first. He thought the best plan would be to put the Bills down in the following order: Bishoprics of Southwark and Birmingham Bills, Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, Public Works Loans Bill, Indian Councils Bill, and Isle of Man Customs Bill. For reasons already exp1tined it was desirable to get the Post Office Sites Bill as soon as possible.
§ MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)And is it proposed to take the Shop Hours Bill after those five? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give it a better place?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI wish I had more good places at my disposal. But if there is a real desire to pass the Bill surely there should be no difficulty. I hope the discussion on the earlier Orders will not take long.
§ MR. WHITLEYThere is a danger of its not getting through if it is kept so long on the list.
§ MR. LOUGHWhy not let it change places with the Bishoprics Bill?