HC Deb 16 March 1911 vol 22 cc2456-7
Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Will the Home Secretary kindly state the business the Government propose to take next week?

Mr. CHURCHILL

On Monday we shall take Navy Votes A, 1, 13, 14, 15, 7, and 11, and the formal Ways and Means Committee. We propose to suspend the Eleven o'clock Rule.

On Tuesday we shall take the Report Stage of the Civil Services (Vote on Account), and of the Army Votes.

On Wednesday we shall, if necessary, continue the Report of the Army Votes, and take the Report of the Navy Votes and the formal Ways and Means Report.

On Thursday we shall take the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill.

With regard to the business of Friday and to the Easter holidays—about which a question was asked yesterday—the Prime Minister will make a statement early next week.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

As the right, hon. Gentleman expects us to make a protest at once if we demur to what is suggested, I have to say, on behalf of my Friends, that we think the time which the right hon. Gentleman proposes to allocate to the subjects he has mentioned is wholly inadequate. I cannot pursue the matter now; but, in consequence of what happened last week, I felt bound to make a protest.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

When is it proposed to resume the interrupted proceedings on the Revenue Bill?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is not proposed to do that immediately. The Prime Minister will be in his place in ample time to give the House due notice.

Lord HUGH CECIL

Will it be taken next week at all?

Mr. CHURCHILL

On Monday the Prime Minister will be able to give an answer.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

It will not be on Friday, anyhow.

Earl WINTERTON

Do we understand that the Eleven o'clock Rule will be suspended on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Only on the Monday, so far as this announcement has gone.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say in answer to the hon. Member (Mr. James Hope) that the Revenue Bill would not in any case be taken on Friday?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot say that finally until Monday. Friday is the only day left open, and the Prime Minister will state Friday's business on Monday.

Mr. LOUGH

With regard to the answer to my question No. 51, may I ask whether, although we cannot take the course suggested in that question to-day, the constitutional point which I raised will have the friendly consideration of the Government.

Mr. CHURCHILL

I will make it my business to bring the question raised by my right hon. Friend to the notice of the Prime Minister.