HC Deb 27 September 1909 vol 11 cc972-1049

[Mr. EMMOTT in the Chair.]

(IN THE COMMITTEE.)

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd-George)

One word on the suggested arrangement with respect to the Mineral Clauses. The feeling is that they should come on early in the day so as to provide time for ample discussion. If they are taken immediately after Clause 25 that desire may not be fulfilled. I should like, therefore, to move that Clause 15 should come after the Government's new Clauses.

Mr. E. G. PRETYMAN

I think that will do. But perhaps it would be better if the Mineral Clauses came after the Land Clauses, and before we get on to other matter, seeing that they belong to Part I. of the Bill.

The CHAIRMAN

We are only dealing now with Clause 15. That does not finally settle anything about the other clauses.

Mr. PRETYMAN

Clause 15 is a Mineral Clause. I think it is generally understood that the Mineral Clauses should come together for the convenience of Members. To whatever point we postpone Clause 15, the Mineral Clauses should come together with it. That is the Chancellor's suggestion, as I understood it.

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

Yes.

Mr. PRETYMAN

I would suggest now that they should come together at the end of the Government's new Land Clauses. That will be probably found to be more convenient. As to the time that they may come to it is impossible to say at what period of the day we may arrive at the end of the Land Clauses. We cannot say now how long the Land Clauses will take. I quite assent to the suggestion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I think that it will be the most convenient course to postpone all the Ministerial Clauses till the end of the Government's new Land Clauses.

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I quite agree. I propose to withdraw my present Motion, and to move in that form.

    cc973-1049
  1. CLAUSE 25.—(Exemption of Land Held for Public or Charitable Purposes.) 32,745 words, 4 divisions