HC Deb 10 August 1909 vol 9 cc251-3
Mr. A. J. BALFOUR

I understand that neither the Prime Minister nor the Chancellor of the Exchequer is able to be present to-day. In these circumstances may I ask whoever is in charge of the business a question with regard to the Finance Bill? The Chancellor of the Exchequer indicated yesterday that he proposed to put down Amendments dealing with valuation. Those Amendments are not on the Paper, and I wish to know when they will be placed on the Paper. Another question of even greater importance is that relating to the Amendments to Clause 12. Do the Government intend any substantial modification of Clause 12, and when shall we see those Amendments? As the House is aware, great inconvenience arises from hon. Members not knowing what these Amendments are, in consequence of changes made at the last moment. It would be a great convenience if, when the Government have made up their minds in regard to a change of policy they will in future give the House full notice.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Joseph A. Pease)

Perhaps, in the unavoidable absence of the Prime Minister, I may be allowed to answer the right hon. Gentleman's question. In regard to Clause 12, there is an Amendment already on the Paper indicating the view of the Government, and, therefore, I do not need to trouble the House further with that matter. With regard to the other question which the right hon. Gentleman has addressed to me, I may say that to-morrow the Prime Minister proposes to place on the Paper as the First Order the Finance (Expenses) Consolidated Fund (Committee thereupon), which appears as the Second Order on to-day's Paper. That will enable the Prime Minister to make a statement with regard to the valuation proposals of the Government to-morrow.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman correct in saying that there is an Amendment to Clause 12 already on the Paper?

Mr. JOSEPH PEASE

Yes, there is an Amendment on the Paper proposing to omit Clause 12. An alternative proposal to that Clause has been handed in to the Chairman to-day, and it will appear on the Paper to-morrow.

Mr. BALFOUR

Will the Government give the House an undertaking that we shall not be asked.to discuss the new Clause 12 on the day on which it is put for the first time before the Committee?

Mr. JOSEPH PEASE

Perhaps I may be allowed to remind the right hon. Gentleman that it is usual for new clauses to come at the end. There are 16 pages of Amendments to Clause 11 which we propose to proceed with to-day. After securing the Finance Consolidated Fund Resolution to-morrow we shall proceed with Clause 11, and I hope we may be able to secure that clause to-morrow. At any rate, we shall not approach Clause 12 until Thursday.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Why was the Government Amendment to omit Clause 12 not circulated with the Votes before?

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Will the new Clause 12, which is going to be put on the Paper, require another Resolution in Committee?

Mr. JOSEPH PEASE

I am informed that it will require another Resolution.