MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury can he say when His Majesty's Government propose to introduce the Licensing Bill; and can he give any indication of its character and provisions.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot fix a date at present for the introduction of this Bill, and, of course, any statement as to its contents should be deferred to the period when it is introduced.
§ MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe)Will the right hon. Gentleman say definitely whether it will be introduced before or after Easter?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir, I cannot answer that Question. As the House knows, the business of Supply is being dragged out considerably—[OPPOSITION cries of "Oh!"]—quite legitimately, no doubt, but, as a matter of fact, it is being considerably prolonged. I cannot, therefore, give an Answer until we make further progress.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURYes, you may.