HC Deb 03 May 1904 vol 134 c269
MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

I see that the Home Secretary has put down a notice to refer the Aliens Bill to a Grand Committee. I presume the right hon. Gentleman will give the House adequate notice before the Motion to refer the Bill, because I think that in many quarters it will meet with strenuous opposition.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I shall be sorry if the Motion receives the strenuous opposition which the hon. Member has indicated, especially if the opposition is conducted by the hon. Gentleman. The Government will not be able to carry the Motion unless in the opinion of the House there is adequate time given for it. I recognise that some time must necessarily be given.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Is this regarded as a sort of non-contentious Bill that usually goes to a Grand Committee?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

I hope that notice will be given of the Motion. This is a Bill mentioned first in the King's Speech, and in the opinion of many of us it is too important a measure to send to a Grand Committee.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not think that the fact of a Bill having been mentioned first in the King's Speech is any reason for treating it so as to make it improbable that the measure can be passed into law.