HC Deb 10 March 1910 vol 14 cc1642-3
Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government have any statement to make about the business of the House next week?

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

We intend to take on

Monday—Motion that the Speaker leave the Chair on the Navy Estimates;

Tuesday and Wednesday—Navy Estimates (Votes A and 10) in Committee;

Thursday—Reports of these Votes; and Friday—Report stage of the Civil Services Vote on Account, and Ways and Means (Committee). If opportunity offer, we will also take one or two non-controversial Bills.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I think that is a considerable departure from the programme announced by the Prime Minister. May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it is not now intended to take Vote 1, and why Vote 10, which was not mentioned by the Prime Minister, is now introduced? [An HON. MEMBER: "It was introduced."] No, it was not; I was on the look out for it.

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I was not aware that Vote 1 was mentioned by the Prime Minister. I think I shall be able to explain that at the time I answer another question of which I have had private notice, as to why the Vote on Account is to be taken practically for six weeks. It all bears on the same point, I would prefer the right hon. Gentleman to raise the question in Committee. I could hardly answer it by the process of question and answer across the floor. I propose that he should put the question when we come to the Vote on Account.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I was anxious to meet the convenience of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter, and I proposed at his request to ask my question about the Vote on Account in Committee instead of now. But I understand the Chancellor of the Exchequer desires to make a statement which concerns the Navy Votes as well. I do not know whether that would be in order in Committee, and whether we can discuss it there. May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it would be most convenient for the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make his statement now, or to reserve it for Committee?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is impossible for me to say, because I do not know what the Chancellor of the Exchequer is going to say.