BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 23 March 1911)

§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN
May I ask the Prime Minister if he will give the House the usual statement as to the business of the week?

The PRIME MINISTER
On Friday (to-morrow) we hope to obtain, the remaining Government Clauses of the Revenue Bill. In the event of these being disposed of we do not propose to-morrow to proceed with the new clauses. In view of the condition of the Notice Paper, and the necessity for obtaining the Royal Assent to the Revenue Bill by 31st March, I fear I may on Monday have to make a motion to prevent any mishap to it. If, however, any arrangement is made through the usual channels by which that motion is rendered unnecessary, the main part of Monday's sitting will be given to the further progress of the Revenue Bill; and the remainder to the third reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill. If no such arrangement is possible the time available after the Revenue Bill is disposed of will be similarly employed.
Tuesday and Wednesday will in any case be given to the Revenue Bill.
I hope we shall find that Thursday is available for Supply. I will make an announcement of the Friday's business later. As previously stated, on Monday week we shall proceed with the Committee stage of the Parliament Bill.

§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN
Two questions arise out of that statement. Do I rightly understand that no business will be taken to-morrow after finishing the Government Clauses of the Revenue Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER
Yes, Sir.

§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN
In the second place, do I understand that it is the intention of the Government to allot only two days to the consideration of the new Clauses of the Revenue Bill in Committee, the Report of the Bill, and the Third Reading of the Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER
If the Motion I have referred to becomes unnecessary, we shall have the whole, or the greater part, of Monday. That will give us three days.

§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN
But there is the Consolidated Fund Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER
That will come on after eleven o'clock.

§ Mr. JAMES HOPE
May I ask, why is it necessary to pass the Revenue Bill this year before 31st March, when it was not necessary to pass the Finance Bill by the corresponding time last year?

The PRIME MINISTER
That very fact makes it all the more necessary. Might I for the convenience of the House say—I do not think any one misunderstood me—that of course the Committee stage of the Consolidated Fund Bill would be first order to-morrow. It is down for that day.