§ Lord BALCARRESMay I ask whether the Prime Minister can state the business for Friday, and, if possible, also for Monday next week?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe shall take on—
Friday, the Report and Third Reading stages of the Naval Prize Bill; and on
Monday, the Report and Third Reading stages of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill.
Thereafter, from day to day, we hope to continue the Committee stage of the Insurance Bill. On some evenings, after 10.30, we shall proceed with some of the smaller Bills on the Paper. The Patronage Secretary will consult with the various parties in the House. To-night will be taken the concluding stages of the Railway Companies (Accounts and Returns) Bill.
Mr. LYTTELTONMay I ask the Prime Minister whether the Naval Prize Bill does not raise a great many legal questions, and whether, from the point of view of practising barristers who are usually unable to attend on Friday, he thinks that is a desirable day to fix for the Bill. [An HON. MEMBER: "You are paid now."]
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Bill has been two days in Grand Committee upstairs, and I am told after inquiry that so far as this side of the House is concerned Members of my profession are ready to make the sacrifice, as they always do.
Mr. LYTTELTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has really considered that the fact of this Bill having been in Grand Committee altogether is not an additional reason why a free day should be taken, inasmuch as those who belong to my profession are not always able to make the sacrifice of such time?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe shall see what progress we make. We do not want to hurry it.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEIs the Prime Minister going to make the sacrifice himself up to perhaps ten o'clock?
§ Mr. A. G. C. HARVEYMay I ask the Prime Minister when he means to take the Mines Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would rather not say at present.