Mr. BALFOURWill the Prime Minister give us a sketch of the course of business, and what he proposes to take on Friday next?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROn Thursday, after the Revenue Bill is concluded, we shall proceed with the House Letting (Scotland) Bill, and the Second Reading of the Army (Annual) Bill.
On Friday we shall take the Second Reading of the Shops Bill.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINWhen will the Home Secretary introduce the measure for which he asked the special consideration of the House the other day, dealing with the expenses of the military when sent in aid of the police?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like to have notice of that.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI ask because I think this is an opportunity for the Home Secretary, who asked for the special indulgence of the House to deal with the matter.
§ Sir F. BANBURYMay I remind the Prime Minister that during the all-night sitting the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave a pledge that the Government would take no Bills before the 31st March, and under those circumstances 1156 I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman cannot reconsider his decision?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI was not here during the all-night sitting, but I am bound, of course, by anything that took place on that occasion. I was not aware of that pledge. I am not complaining in the least, but I thought that, after the arrangement which was made last night, it would be convenient to take those two Bills. I was not aware that there was any obstacle in the way. If a pledge has been given it shall be observed, and in that case we shall have to put down Supply. In any case, we shall take the Shops Bill on Friday.
§ Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENAs there will be three hours at the disposal of the House on Thursday, can the right hon. Gentleman devote that time to the Second Reading of the Irish Labourers' Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid the same objection applies. It seems the pledge was not to take anything until after the 31st March. I think, however, we might be released from that pledge by a general understanding.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHSeeing that there are such a large number of the supporters of the Government desirous of discussing the Revenue Bill, can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to give those extra three hours to that measure?
§ Mr. MORRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting down the Board of Agriculture Vote, as a great many hon. Members desire to discuss small holdings?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEHas the right hon. Gentleman any reason to suppose that the House of Lords will not gladly enter on the discussion of the Consolidated Fund Bill at 11 p.m. on Thursday so that we may have the extra three hours here.
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe made an arrangement upon this question last night, and we must not go back upon it. I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.