§ MR. JESSE COLLINGS (Birmingham, Bordesley)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when there are no Notices of Motions to be discussed at 8.15 on Wednesdays, it is the intention of the Government to move the adjournment of the House, thereby preventing the consideration of private Members' Bills on that night.
§ MR. ASQUITHNo, Sir; the occurrence happens so infrequently that the Government have formed no fixed intention on the subject. They would always be guided in such a case by regard to the general convenience of the House.
§ MR. JESSE COLLINGShoped the right hon. Gentleman would give a 519 sympathetic reply to the following Question, whether, seeing that for two years he had been trying to get a place for a measure deeply affecting a class of people in whose welfare he was much concerned, and seeing that that opportunity occurred on Wednesday last when the Bill had the first place, and seeing——
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order. The right hon. Gentleman's observations are rather in the nature of a speech.
§ MR. JESSE COLLINGSasked whether the right hon. Gentleman would, in fairness, give an opportunity for the consideration of that Bill, seeing that the opportunity was snatched away.
§ MR. ASQUITHNo, Sir; the opportunity was not snatched away at all. My right hon. friend acted in conjunction with those who represent the opinion of Gentlemen on the other side of the House, and what was clone was done for the general convenience of the House. I am afraid I cannot offer any special facilities.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLasked whether the right hon. Gentleman would give special facilities to every Motion dealing with three acres and a cow?
[No Answer was returned.]