§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEY (Somersetshire, S.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government will undertake to introduce into the House of Lords this session a Bill similar to the Outdoor Relief (Friendly Societies) Bill, which has been twice rejected in the House of Lords when in charge of an unofficial Member of that House.
§ SIR WILLIAM TOMLINSON (Preston)Is it not the case that the hon. 505 Gentleman has been consistently opposing a Bill with the same object.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think the whole House will admit that this question should be dealt with. There is a Bill similar in its terms to the Bill brought in last year by the hon. Gentleman. The Bill last year passed this House without opposition. I should hope the House will follow the same course this session as last. The Government entirely approve the Bill, and will do all they can to further its progress.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered my Question. I asked whether the Government would introduce the Bill in the Lords as a Government Bill.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI answered this Question by implication. The simplest and best course would be to adopt the same plan as last session. When it has passed this House it will go to the other House with greater authority, and the Government will do their best to help it through.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYAm I to understand that the Government absolutely refuse to introduce it into the Lords as a Government measure.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir. I have stated what I think is the best course, and if the hon. Member will withdraw his opposition in this House that course will be facilitated.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe right hon. Gentleman is quite aware that the opposition is due to the dirty trick played on me.
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is not a proper expression to use of the action of another hon. member.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYOf course, Sir, I at once withdraw it.