HC Deb 27 January 1913 vol 47 cc1091-139

As amended (in the Standing Committee), considered.

Lord HUGH CECIL

I desire to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he thinks it reasonable to take the Bill at this time? I should not have ventured to intervene if there had been one of my right hon. Friends on the Front Opposition Bench. The Debate on the other matter went on for a long time, and had every appearance of running for a good time longer, because a good many hon. Gentlemen opposite got up to speak. I think it is very inconvenient for the Opposition, and treating them with a want of consideration to take a Bill of this kind at this time. The right hon. Gentleman will lose nothing in the end if he agrees to an Adjournment.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think the Noble Lord has overlooked the fact that last Monday the Prime Minister announced that if the "Grey" Amendment were defeated, this Bill would be taken at 7.30. If the Noble Lord will look at the file of the "Times" for Saturday, he will see it was there stated that the Bill would be taken immediately after the Prime Minister's

Motion to withdraw the posed of.

Earl WINTERTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the first Amendment raises the Vacher case, which is the most important Amendment to the Bill? It would suit the convenience of everyone if the Debate could be Adjourned.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

If hon. Members who are interested in the Bill are not present they have only themselves really to blame.

Earl WINTERTON

It is a misapprehension.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I understood that the Noble Lord was one of those who contemplated that the "Grey" Amendment would be defeated. If the Noble Lord says that up to 3.30 he knew nothing about the intentions of the Government, I can only say that the announcement was made that we should proceed with the Bill at 7.30 if the "Grey" Amendment were defeated.

    cc1092-139
  1. NEW CLAUSE.—(Liability of Political Fund). 20,265 words, 1 division