§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS (Kent. St. Augustine's)In asking the Prime Minister a question as to the course of business next week, may I be allowed to express a hope that, inasmuch as peculiar interest attaches to the Budget Resolutions this year, seeing that provision for old-age pensions is included, the right hon. Gentlemen will give the House more than Monday for their consideration?
§ MR. ASQUITHsaid that the Income Tax Resolution would be taken on Monday, and he hoped they might come to a conclusion on it on that evening. There would be ample opportunity for again discussing the matter on the Second Reading and on the Committee stage of the Finance Bill, and also on the Old-Age Pension Bill itself. On Tuesday, the business would be the Sessional Order enabling the House to take the report of Money Resolutions after eleven o'clock, the report of the remaining Resolutions in Committee of Ways and Means, and the introduction of the Finance Bill; and on Wednesday the Irish Universities expenses Resolution in Committee and a number of small Bills.
§ MR. CHAPLIN (Surrey, Wimbledon)said there was a considerable desire on the part of many Gentlemen who represented county constituencies to raise a debate on the question of the absence of 520 any provision in the Budget for the relief of local taxation, and, in the circumstances, as well as in view of the importance of the proposal as to old-age pensions, he hoped the right hon. Gentleman would see his way to accede to the suggestion of his right hon. friend.
§ MR. ASQUITHsaid that with every desire to facilitate, and not curtail, discussion on these matters, he really did not think this was a request to which he ought to accede. The right hon. Gentleman would have the most ample opportunities for discussion on the Finance Bill.
§ SIR E. SASSOONwas understood to ask if the Licensing Bill would be proceeded with before the Budget?
§ MR. ASQUITHNo, Sir.