HC Deb 29 February 1912 vol 34 cc1552-3
Mr. BONAR LAW

I desire to ask the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement in regard to the business for next week; and I should be glad to know if the fight hon. Gentleman has any further information with regard to the coal strike?

Mr. McKENNA

On Monday we shall move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on the Army Estimates, and afterwards we shall take Vote A and Vote I., and also some non-effective Army Votes. The discussion of these Votes will be continued on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Thursday, we shall take the Vote on Account for the Civil Service.

With regard to the coal strike, the conferences are still continuing, but there is nothing further to say.

Mr. BONAR LAW

In regard to the business for Monday, is it not obvious that a much longer time will be required for the discussion on the general state of the Army on which, I imagine, a great many hon. Members on this side of the House desire to speak.

Mr. McKENNA

The right hon. Gentleman will see that the general discussion on the Votes is to be continued on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I think it will be better to wait and see how the Debate develops.

Mr. BONAR LAW

If the right hon. Gentleman means that he will be guided by the desire of the House on that matter I shall be quite satisfied.

Mr. McKENNA

Every regard will be shown to the wishes of the House as a whole.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Will the Financial Secretary to the Treasury state for what period the Vote on Account will be taken, what number of months. Will it conform to the precedents of the last two years?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Some four or five months will be taken. The old precedents will be followed.