§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to proceed with the Port of London Bill this session; and, if so, whether, as it was introduced under the Ten-Minutes Rule without discussion and the debate on the Second Reading was closured at the end of four hours, and as the Chairman ruled at the commencement of the proceedings that discussion of the principle of the purchase of the docks could not be permitted in Committee, he will give reasonable facilities for considering that point, as well as other principles of the Bill, before entering on the Report stage.
§ MR. ASQUITHIt is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Bill this session. I see no reason for thinking that the ordinary stages which the Bill has to go through, including the Third Reading, will not give adequate facilities for the further consideration both of the principle and its details.
§ MR. LOUGHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since the Bill was explained to the House, the basis of valuation upon which the Government proposes to pay twenty-three millions sterling for the docks has been changed?
§ MR. ASQUITHNo, Sir; I am not aware of that, but, if it is so, that will be a proper subject for discussion when the Bill comes on.
§ MR. LOUGHWill the right hon. Gentleman try to verify that statement before the debate takes place?
§ MR. ASQUITHThat does not fall within my province. It is a matter for the President of the Board of Trade.