HC Deb 17 April 1905 vol 145 c327
MR. LOUGH

Will the Prime Minister state what will be the first business after the holidays?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

On Tuesday, May 2nd, the day the House reassembles after the Easter holidays, the Second Reading of the Aliens Bill will be taken.

MR. LOUGH

Surely the right hon. Gentleman will reconsider that proposal. The usual custom is that no contentious or interesting business is taken on the first day after the holidays.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The old practice was to reassemble on the Monday; but to meet the convenience of Members who are unable to return by Monday, I have put off the reassembling till Tuesday, and, in the circumstances, I think the House might proceed that day with business that is contentious and interesting.

MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to give the Aliens Bill precedence over the Unemployed Bill? It is a very serious matter.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The urgency of the Unemployed Bill is not nearly so great now as it was in the recent period of distress. But I do not propose to give one Bill precedence over the other. I propose to take the Second Reading of the Aliens Bill before I take the Second Reading of the Unemployed Bill.

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