§ Mr. BONAR LAWMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he finds it possible to give a day's interval between the introduction and the Second Reading of the Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid I must appeal to the right hon. Gentleman not to press his point. The Bill, I hope and believe, will be in the Vote Office ready for circulation at eight o'clock this evening; therefore there will be that opportunity between now and to-morrow to consider its provisions. We are dealing with a very urgent public question, and the matter is complicated further by the fact that Friday has been allocated, as hon. Gentlemen on both Hides know, to a particular Bill—[HON. MEMBERS: "Post pone it"; and "Give another day."]— which I believe there is a desire on both sides of the House to take on that day. [HON.MEMBERS: "NO, no."] So I am told both by the promoters and opponents.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is, of course, impossible for me to do more, than to express strongly what we consider reasonable in the matter, and I am bound to say that the explanation which the right hon. Gentleman has given about Friday seems to me utterly inadequate. The House of Commons has nothing to do with either promoters or opponents. We have to consider the urgency of the case as it affects the country, and I am bound to say that in my opinion it would not damage the case which the Prime Minister wishes to make, and it would be much more reason able to allow us to have the interval.
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the right hon. Gentleman, speaking with his responsibility as Leader of the Opposition, makes that appeal to me, I find it a very difficult one to resist. Of course, if that is so, Friday must be given to this Bill, and we must do all we can to get it through on Friday. I will, of course, make such provision as I can to give an early date for the other Bill, which is at present down for Friday. I hope it will be understood that if I showed any kind of reluctance to accede to the right hon. Gentleman's request it was because I was in rather a special position in regard to the Conciliation Bill, of which I am well known to be an opponent, but for which I have very solemnly promised facilities on behalf of the Government. I hope the promoters and opponents of that Bill alike will understand that I only sacrifice Friday in deference to the appeal of the Leader of the Opposition.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDShall we then understand that the House of Lords will meet on Saturday in order that this Bill may be got through this week?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI regard it as of the utmost importance in the interests of the country that this Bill should receive the Royal Assent this week.