HC Deb 14 December 1911 vol 32 cc2518-9
Mr. HUNT

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the House of Lords can no longer refer back any measure for the judgment of the people, he can now say when he will bring in a Bill for a reformed Second Chamber with power to prevent Bills being passed into law against the will of the people?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer the hon. Gentleman to my previous declarations on this subject. I cannot at present name any exact date for the introduction of a Bill.

Mr. HUNT

May we conclude that the Government puts no limit to the time during which a Minister is to be free to force a Bill so unpopular as the Insurance Bill through Parliament against the will of the people?

Mr. WATT

asked on what dates the House Letting and Rating (Scotland) Bill and the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill were sent up to the House of Lords within the meaning of the Parliament Act; and will it be possible to prolong the Session so that one month may elapse from the date of sending up these Bills to the end of the Session?

The PRIME MINISTER

The House Letting and Rating (Scotland) Bill was sent to the House of Lords on the 29th of November, and the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill on the 20th of November. As I have already said, there is no intention of prolonging the Session, unless the House of Lords desire it.

Mr. WATT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the mouth's notice is required after the first passage of a Bill through the House of Commons or the third passage under the Parliament Act?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is required in the three.

Mr. KING

Does the Prime Minister regard the fate of the Naval Prize Bill with equanimity?

The PRIME MINISTER

That does not arise out of the question.