HC Deb 23 April 1913 vol 52 cc383-4
Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked whether the Prime Minister can give the date when Vote 8 of the Navy Estimates will be taken?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am unable to name a date at present.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister whether he thinks it possible to give a date, because this is a very important matter?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The hon. Member knows perfectly well that these fixtures are always made after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and those responsible on the other side.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I should like to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question as to the business. Last Thursday he informed me that the first Order of the Day would be the Government of the Soudan Loan Guarantee Bill. I find on the Order Paper another Bill put down, the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Bill. I would like to know why the change has been made?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not know that I said that the first Order of the Day would be the Soudan Loan Guarantee Bill, but simply announced it as an Order. I did say that I wanted the Committee stage on the Financial Resolution of the Soudan Loan Guarantee, and the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Bill, if not already passed, and a few minor Government Bills. We had some hopes that the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Bill would have passed before to-day, on Monday; but it was distinctly in our minds to take it to-day, and see that it got through to-day. It is rather urgent.

Mr. BONAR LAW

Is not the course suggested by the right hon. Gentleman really very inconvenient? All arrangements are made on the assumption that Bills will be taken in the order in which they are put down. If that is not done, what is the object of our asking questions about the Order of Business?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will look at the other part of the announcement I gave. I said that on Monday we should take the Third Reading of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, and I hoped we should be able to conclude the remaining stages of the Prisoners Bill. It was our idea that the latter Bill might be got through on Monday. Not being got through, we want to get the Third Reading to-day. I repeat it is rather urgent: that is the view of the Home Office. I do not see why it should take very long. I do not think it will. As to the Soudan Bill, it is a formal stage of the Bill, after all.

Mr. BONAR LAW

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that arrangements are made by all parties in accordance with what they expect to be the business of the House. As regards to-day, the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the Prisoners Bill might not be through, and it could have been put down as an Order that, under the circumstances, might be taken. It will be impossible to make arrangements unless we can rely upon the business being adhered to.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I agree; it was an intimation to the different parties, to those interested in the Soudan Loan Bill, and those interested in the Prisoners Discharge Bill. I have no doubt both parties are here. There is no reason why both measures should not be disposed of before 8 o'clock.