§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the amendment of the law on the subject of fraudulent balance-sheets, promised as soon as possible during the debate on 19th February, 1903, will be introduced during the present session.
THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUK, Manchester, E.)I should be very unwilling to add to the present programme of the Government, except in relation to Bills which are necessary for administrative reasons, unless the Bill which was added to that programme was of a genuinely uncontentious character. I suppose I may count on my hon. friend's support for the Motion before the House, which will, no doubt, add to the opportunities for Government business.
MR, SWIFT MACNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he promised this Bill a year and a half ago?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLIf the right hon. Gentleman cannot promise a Bill this session, will he give the House an opportunity of discussing this question on the Vote for the salaries of the Law Officers of the Crown?