§ The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANS (Mr. Emmott)had on the Paper a notice to move, "That any Private Business set down for consideration at 8.15 on Monday or Tuesday next shall, instead of being taken as provided by the Standing Order 'Time for taking Private Business,' be taken after the conclusion of the Business of Supply; and any Private Business so taken may be proceeded with, though opposed, notwithstanding any Standing Order relating to the Sittings of the House, and the consideration of the business shall not be anticipated by a Motion of Adjournment, and no dilatory Motion shall be moved, and the business shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order."
I need not, after what has passed, take up any of the time of the House in explaining this Motion, except to say that I wish to move it in a slightly amended form, by leaving out, "Be anticipated by a Motion of Adjournment and no dilatory Motion shall be moved, and the business shall not." The Motion therefore will read: "That any Private 1493 Business set down for consideration at 8.15 on Monday or Tuesday next shall, instead of being taken as provided by the Standing Order 'Time for taking Private Business,' be taken after the conclusion of the Business of Supply; and any Private Business so taken may be proceeded with, though opposed, notwithstanding any Standing Order relating to the Sittings of the House, and the consideration of the business shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order."
§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEIs that the usual form?
§ The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANSI cannot say it is the usual form, but it seems the most convenient plan to adopt. It would be highly inconvenient on Monday and Tuesday when we are in the last stages of Supply, and what is called the guillotine falls at ten o'clock, to put down a private Bill at 8.15 It would be far more convenient if discussion is needed, and I do not believe it will be needed, to take it after Supply is over.
§ Sir H. CARLILEI suppose the Orders to be taken will be arranged as usual between the two sides.
§ The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANSI do not know of any other Bill at present to be taken. There may be others, if unexpected opposition arises, but I do not know of any.
§ The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANSIt will not.
§ Mr. RAWLINSONThe Metropolitan Water Bill may be further discussed. It is an exceedingly difficult question and requires very careful attention, and it is hardly right to put it down in the middle of the night. A Motion such as this makes the consideration of details very difficult and really makes the consideration of Private Bills more or less a farce. I do not say any thing against the Chairman of Ways and Means, but I would protest against this being done frequently.
§ The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANSI shall certainly not put forward any Motion of this kind frequently because I do not like these Motions. May I point out that this Bill has had two full night's discussion, and so far as I know any further opposition has been concili- 1494 ated. Under the circumstances, I think it would be more convenient to take it later than 8.15. This matter ought to be settled one way or the other, and this is desirable so that the Water Board may make their contracts if the Bill is passed.
§ Sir F. BANBURYMay I point out that sometimes the business is not concluded before 12 o'clock at night, and that is a very inconvenient time. I hope it is clearly understood that this is merely an exceptional Motion made under exceptional circumstances.
§ The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANSI do so regard it.
§ Mr. GLYN-JONESIf this is the only Bill I do not think there will be any desire to discuss it further on Monday.
§ Question put, and agreed to.