HC Deb 18 August 1909 vol 9 cc1382-3
Mr. A. J. BALFOUR

I shall be glad to know if the Prime Minister can now make the statement, which he promised yesterday, about the business for next week.

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I hope, particularly after what has been said by my right hon. Friend as to the postponement of Clause 25, that we may secure the remaining clauses of Part I. of the Finance Bill this evening, and we may, therefore, allot Friday for other purposes. If that is done, I propose on Friday to move the suspension of the Eleven o'clock and the Five o'clock Rules for the remainder of the Session, and to make a statement, after which we will take on Friday the Report and Third Reading of the House-Letting and Rating (Scotland) Bill, the Report and Third Reading of the Electric Lighting Acts Amendment Bill, and possibly a stage of one or two other non-controversial measures.

Next week, including Friday, we propose to devote to the Irish Land Bill. In regard to the following week, I cannot yet make a definite statement, beyond saying that on one or two, or possibly more, days the Finance Bill will be taken.

Mr. BALFOUR

I understand that tomorrow is allocated primarily to the discussion on the Committee stage of the South African Bill. I do not know what discussion is anticipated upon this. In the event of the matter terminating early, does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any other business, and, if so, what?

The PRIME MINISTER

If, as I hope, that discussion may terminate reasonably early, we thought of taking a stage of one or two non-controversial Bills. We will take nothing controversial.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

With reference to what has been said as to the probability of the Budget being taken on some days in the week after next, would the right hon. Gentleman consider the convenience it would be to many Members if he is not going to allocate the whole of the week to the Budget, that the first day should not be used for that purpose, so that those of us who are specially interested in the Budget should not be called back on Monday, and then find business that does not concern us down for Tuesday?

The PRIME MINISTER

We will not take it on Monday.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

With reference to the business for the week after next, before entering on Part II. of the Finance Bill, will there be a further resolution of Committee of Ways and Means?

The PRIME MINISTER

So far as I know, there is no necessity for such a resolution with regard to Part II.