HC Deb 03 August 1911 vol 29 cc577-9
Lord BALCARRES

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the business for next week?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I much regret to say that the Prime Minister, who is still suffering from loss of voice, is unable to be present to-day.

The right hon. Gentleman, the Leader of the Opposition, has asked for a day for the discussion of the Vote of Censure. We are, of course, glad to acquiesce in his request, but, in view of the regrettable scene on Monday week, I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will not take it amiss if we ask him to give the undertaking, which he himself demanded from Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman under similar conditions in May, 1905, namely, "that the Debate shall take place under ordinary conditions of decency and fair play." We propose, therefore, to allot Monday for that purpose, and on the further assumption, of course, that the Lords Amendments to the Parliament Bill will be disposed of on Tuesday.

On Wednesday we shall take the Second Heading of the Finance Bill.

Thursday and Friday we shall give for the discussion of the Resolution on Payment of Members, the terms of which I shall put on the Paper to-morrow.

For the convenience of Members I would take this opportunity of acquainting the House that we hope to bring this part of the Session to an end on Friday, the 18th instant. Before that date we hope that Members will be willing to make some sacrifice in order to enable us to pass—

and to make progress with some of the other Government measures.

This course will involve a Sitting later in the year to deal with the National Insurance Bill and other measures. We will resume on a date which will shortly be announced. It will probably be at the end of October or the beginning of November.

Lord HUGH CECIL

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman desires to make any imputation on the action of any Member of this House, will he move a Vote of Censure on those Members and give a day for its discussion?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I simply quoted the words which were used by the present Leader of the Opposition, without any alteration, under similar conditions on 23rd May, 1905.

Lord HUGH CECIL

About your conduct, I think?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think it is very probable I was there.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Would the right hon. Gentleman give the terms of the reply made by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman on that occasion to the Leader of the Opposition?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

My recollection is that an undertaking was given. It came later on, but as a matter of fact, an undertaking was given and carried out.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Do we understand from the right hon. Gentleman that this question was recorded in "Hansard"?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Yes; I was quoting from "Hansard" now.

An HON. MEMBER: Not the answer.

Mr. BUTCHER

May I ask whether he will give an undertaking on behalf of his followers that they will conduct the Debate under the ordinary conditions of decency and good order.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think the best answer to that is to point to what happened upon last Monday week, when, at the end of that very regrettable scene, all the Members on this side of the House gave the calmest and most patient hearing to the Leader of the Opposition.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is it not the fact that the Speaker adjourned the House because of the behaviour of hon. Gentlemen opposite?

Sir GILBERT PARKER

As I believe the Government have the terms of the answer by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, would there be any objection to reading it to the House?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am sorry to say the episode ended by a question put by me—[HON. MEMBERS: "Read it"]—I think I had better not, after the Leader of the Opposition put that question:— Mr. Lloyd George: Will the Prime Minister give that undertaking? He does not seem to have been ready to give it.