§ Mr. STEPHEN WALSHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the character of the proposals contained in the National Insurance Bill and the extent and variety of the interests affected, he will retain the measure for consideration in Committee of the whole House, so that all Members interested may have an opportunity of taking part in the debates upon the details of the measure and the utmost publicity thereby secured?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe Government propose that the Bill should be considered in Committee of the whole House.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman, before he definitely decides, keep his mind open on the idea of committing it to a Select Committee.
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGECommitting it to a Select Committee, of course, would mean postponing it. The progess by Select, Committee is very slow, and therefore it could not pass through the House of Commons for at least two or three years if referred to a Select Committee. That is one of the reasons why we have decided against it.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think the Bill, with all its merits, is open to the suspicion of being just a little rushed?