§ MR. A. J. BALFOUR (City of London)asked whether the right hon. Gentleman remembered having made a statement to the House on Thursday last to the effect that the Plural Voting Bill would be taken that afternoon? How did it come about that, without any statement of the alteration of the Prime Minister's plans, the Town Tenants (Ireland) Bill was down for to-day?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANsaid the statement made concerned what then appeared to be likely. He said at the same time that the Plural Voting Bill was to be taken after the Town Tenants (Ireland) Bill. Dissuasion having been prolonged on that Bill, naturally the other arrangement lapsed. He was sorry if there was any misunderstanding.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURthought if the right hon. Gentleman consulted those through whom he made arrangements as to the course of business they would bear him out in his very distinct recollection that what was said was that, while the Plural Voting Bill might be taken on Monday, it would be better taken on Tuesday, because the Minister in charge would then be fully recovered. It was never suggested that the Town Tenants (Ireland) Bill was to be taken de die in diem until the Report stage was completed.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThat was when there was an idea that this Bill would only take one sitting; and in ordinary circumstances it would only have taken one sitting. Any announcement made several days in advance at this time of the year is necessarily subject to alteration as events occur; and, if we were to be held literally to the text of our anticipations of the probable progress of business a few days in advance, we should never be able to make any intimation of that kind at all.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe right hon. Gentleman is teaching us not to adhere literally to anything that is said.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe right hon. Gentleman uses words which imply that I am in the habit of deceiving the House. I wish to know if that is what he means? That is the meaning attaching to his words, whatever meaning he attaches to them.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI used the words the right hon. Gentleman himself used. I do mean that on this occasion and on previous occasions the right hon. Gentleman has made statements not in accordance with—[The remainder of the phrase was lost in cries of "Shame" and "Withdraw."] He has allowed us, through carelessness of statement, to 632 anticipate a course of business which he has not adhered to. No one has ever represented the right hon. Gentleman as himself personally capable of misleading the House, nor is any word I have said capable of being twisted into that signification, by anyone who understands the English language.
§ MR. FLAVINNobody can understand you.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIf the right hon. Gentleman sees that there is no question of a personal attack on him, if I have been fortunate enough to satisfy him on that point, may I now ask him whether he seriously thinks that it would be either proper or possible to attempt to finish the Bill which is the subject of discussion in the course of a single remaining sitting—a Bill turning on enormous principles, never before the House until yesterday?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI understand that there is a willingness on the part of the right hon. Gentleman and his friends, if another day is given besides to-day for discussion of this Bill at this stage, to allow us to finish the stage at eleven o'clock to-morrow night, without the necessity of removing the Eleven o'clock limit to-night. If that is so, I would raise no objection.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)said the suggestion made really emanated from himself, and an intimation was conveyed to him that the right hon. Gentleman and his friends agreed to the suggestion. With a large experience of long night sittings he had never known one entirely satisfactory to one side or the other. Without saying anything as to the character of the opposition to the Town Tenants Bill, it was apparent that strong feeling had been excited in reference to some of its provisions, and it was not possible to prevent the expression of that feeling. If the Government could see their way to agree to the suggestion, and the Opposition would also agree, he thought it would be for the benefit of the House generally if it were adopted.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANsaid he believed the idea came to him through the Whips.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURWithout discussing the patent rights attaching to it, I think the suggestion might with advantage be adopted. But I do think, seeing that the House has not had an opportunity of considering the Bill in Committee, that three days are inadequate. Holding this view strongly, I think, accepting it as a compromise, it will not be inexpedient to adopt the suggestion thrown out.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThen the usual course will be followed, but to-morrow, for convenience, the formal suspension of the Eleven o'clock Rule will be moved.
§ MR. J. WARDasked when the next stage of the Workmen's Compensation Bill would be taken.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI would gladly give some forcast, but I have been frightened out of my wits this afternoon by the recent assertion as to "misleading the House." Under the circumstances I think I had better refrain from making the statement desired.