HC Deb 02 May 1913 vol 52 cc1631-2

Order read for consideration on Report.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

What is the object of putting down a Government Bill in this way on a private Members' day? It really only compels private Members who are opposed to certain Government measures and who wish to prevent them being sneaked through, to come down. It is not usual. I think. Certainly in regard to a measure which is opposed it is wrong to put it down.

Mr. GULLAND (Lord of the Treasury)

This has been done from time immemorial. It has been found extremely valuable to have some Government Bill on the Paper in order that between Government Orders the Government may move the Adjournment of the House in so far as to call attention to some matter which has specially to be mentioned to the House. It is always done.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

It is not done for effective purposes, and the intention was to try and get some of these Bills through.

Mr. GULLAND

The hon. Member is quite wrong. There was no intention of getting them through.

Sir F. BANBURY

May I reassure the hon. Member. Nothing wrong will happen so long as I am here.