HC Deb 05 August 1913 vol 56 cc1287-8
Mr. BONAR LAW

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, the Prime Minister, whether he has any statement to make about business?

The PRIME MINISTER

To-night after the discussion on the National Insurance Bill we hope to take—

Foreign Jurisdiction Bill: Committee.

Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment) Bill: Committee.

Public Works Loans Bill: Second Reading.

Merchant Shipping (Certificates) Bill: Second Reading.

Public Health (Prevention and Treatment of Disease) Bill: Committee.

Telegraph (Money) Bill: Second Reading.

Isle of Man (Customs) Bill: Third Reading.

Expiring Laws Continuance Bill: Committee; and if time permits and agreement can be reached, the Highlands and Islands (Medical Service) Bill.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am afraid there cannot be much hope of subsequent time, because that list sounds like the beginning of a new Session.

Sir F. BANBURY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman in view of the fact that we have the Insurance Bill, to which there are a very large number of Amendments down to-day, whether he would not reconsider his decision to take so many private Bills after the Insurance Bill? It is not that I object to these private Bills, they are all, I believe, with one exception, agreed, but I object to their being taken at three o'clock or four o'clock in the morning.

The PRIME MINISTER

shook his head.

Sir F. BANBURY

Shakes of the head are not recorded in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Will the right hon. Gentleman say something.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

I have only blocked these Bills in order to secure a discussion on my Irish Bill, and if I am assured that I can get an hour or an hour and a half to expose the nefarious action of the Government I am quite willing to let the other Bills go through without discussion.

The PRIME MINISTER

I am not sure I can say anything about that. With re- gard to what the hon. Baronet said, I find shakes of the head, although not reported, are commented on. I will give the hon. Baronet an articulate answer. We do not propose to take these Bills at an unreasonable hour, but I hope we may be allowed to get them through.

Sir F. BANBURY

It is not that I object to the Bills, but even if the Bills are not objected to, someone may desire to say something on them.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he hopes to take the Revenue Bill on Tuesday; and if so, when the Government Amendments in connection with the Reversion Duty is to appear upon the Paper?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It will be taken on Monday.

Mr. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question as to when the Amendment on the Reversion Duty will appear on the Paper?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I hope tomorrow or Thursday.

Mr. KING

Is the Prime Minister able to intimate his intentions with regard to Lumber 7 Order—the Importation of Plumage Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid we shall not be able to take that.