HC Deb 11 June 1907 vol 175 cc1249-50
MR. A. J. BALFOUR (City of London)

said he understood that the Prime Minister had stated that the Resolution dealing with the House of Lords would be in the hands of Members of the House in two or three days. Would the right hon. Gentleman give a fortnight for the consideration of that Resolution? He understood, he supposed rightly, that the Resolution was intended to be the prelude to a great constitutional change, and a, fortnight was not too long for its consideration. He also desired to know whether the right hon. Gentleman would have printed, for the convenience of Members, the Small Holdings Act of 1892. The Bill which they were to discuss to-morrow was based on the Act of 1892 by reference; and it would greatly facilitate the discussion of the measure if they had the older Bill in their hands in a convenient form.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

said he thought there would be no difficulty in reprinting the Act of 1892. It was obviously for the convenience of the House. It would be reprinted in time for the Committee Stage. He thought he had stated that the Resolution relating to the House of Lords would be in the hands of Members in one or two days. At all events it would be in their hands very shortly. He thought a fort night was rather too long a time for its consideration. The volume might be great, but the preface to the volume was not likely to be of great extent, and he should have thought that a week or ten days would be quite sufficient.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Is it not understood that in this particular case the whole volume is to be compressed in the preface?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The preface will deal only with the question whether the volume shall be printed.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Will the right hon. Gentleman, for the convenience of Members, have reprinted the Small Holdings Act, 1892, which is constantly referred to in the Bill of the First Commissioner of Works, as it would greatly facilitate the comprehension of that measure?

SIR WALTER FOSTER

And also the various Allotment Acts which are likewise dealt with by reference?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Yes, my right hon. friend will look into the matter and include all Acts to which reference is made.