BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 8 July 1910)

§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)
moved "That the Proceedings in Committee of Ways and Means be not interrupted this day at Five o'clock nor half-past Five o'clock."

§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLES
Although this Motion cannot be amended or debated, I rise to ask His Majesty's Government and the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether they really think it worth while to proceed with this Motion to-day? I conceive it will be quite hopeless seeing there are a great many Members both on the Front and back benches who will certainly join in the general discussion; seeing that we shall have an interesting and, I trust, a long speech from the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself; that by the time the proceedings on the general Motion are concluded, to expect that these five Amendments which I propose to go to a Division on can be entertained to-day. May I remark that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has rather unkindly suggested that this day was provided for myself because I was not open to representations from my own side? I think, on reflection, that the right hon. Gentleman will see that that is not quite justified by anything I have done, and that he will see fit to withdraw it. I have loyally supported this Government as being a Free Trade Government; although I was returned pledged to no party.
I would suggest therefore, as there will not really be time this afternoon, if the Five o'clock or half-past Five o'clock Rule be suspended, to carry through the Debates and Divisions which must necessarily ensue upon my Amendments, all of which I may say are Amendments of substance. I can do without some of them, but there are four, or probably five, which I must raise—that it might be worth while to withdraw this Resolution and to give us another day.

§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGE
I very much regret that my hon. Friend should take this line. An appeal was made for an extra day and agreed to by the Government. So far as the Opposition were concerned they expressed satisfaction with the extra time. As the first arrangement was that the Debate should conclude on Wednesday, I understood my hon. Friend also agreed to the extension.

§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLES
No.

§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGE
That was the impression he conveyed to my mind. He assured me he thought it would be quite ample.

§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLES
dissented.

§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGE
The general desire of the House for an extra day has been very readily accorded by the Government, and I trust the House will stand by that arrangement, as my hon. Friend will be able to bring forward his Amendments or whatever test he wants to put before the House before we adjourn to-day.