HC Deb 11 August 1913 vol 56 c2054
36. Mr. FELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Committee stage of the Finance and Revenue Bills has been postponed until the last week of the Session, seeing that he stated that the Budget would this year be passed at the usual time?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not think there has been any unreasonable delay.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

When is it necessary to pass the Finance Bill under what I may call the "Bowles Act"?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I cannot answer that question straight away. The hon. Member was in attendance when the Bill was discussed, and he knows as well as I do.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

But it has to be within a certain time?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I know that, and I have to see that it is within the time. I have assured myself as to that and satisfied myself.

Mr. FELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why this stage has been postponed to the middle of August, when June is the proper time for the Committee stage of the Finance Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

No. If the hon. Member will look up the precedents of his own party, he will find that it has been taken at a very much later period.