HC Deb 27 February 1912 vol 34 cc1197-8
Mr. BONAR LAW

Can the right hon. Gentleman make any statement with regard to the nature of the business on Thursday; and is it possible to say anything in regard to the coal crisis?

Mr. McKENNA

We propose to allocate an extra day for Supplementary Estimates, namely, Thursday, in the hope that the House will enable us to finish them and to attain Report on that evening. We shall also ask the House to give us the Second Reading of the Metropolitan Police Rates Bill before we rise on Thursday. This Bill, it will be remembered, passed this House last Session.

It will be for the convenience of the House if I now state that on Monday next we propose to move the Speaker out of the Chair on Army Estimates. I regret that I am unable to make any statment with regard to proceedings in connection with the coal crisis.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us anything about the Naval Estimates?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir.

Mr. CASSEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Metropolitan Police Rates Bill, although uncontroversial, is a subject on which a good many Metropolitan Members would like to have the opportunity of speaking?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, but the hon. and learned Member will observe that an extra day is to be given to the Estimates. I do not wish to raise any controversial point, but it is hoped that on Thursday we shall have sufficient time to finish both the Report on the Estimates and to have adequate discussion on the Police Bill.

Mr. WALTER LONG

Does that mean that the Government propose to take the Police Bill whatever time the Estimates are concluded on Thursday?

Mr. McKENNA

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would put himself in touch with the party officials. It is hoped we shall get that Bill on Thursday.

Mr. LYNCH

On a point of Order. Is not the Debate on the question of William Ball, which was interrupted last night by lapse of time, to be resumed this evening? If not I will give notice to bring the matter up.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman when the Army Estimates will be circulated?

Mr. McKENNA

The hon. Gentleman will find them in the Vote Office now.