HC Deb 15 April 1914 vol 61 cc172-3
Lord EDMUND TALBOT

With reference to the Supply fixed for Thursday, may I ask the Prime Minister whether, in the unfortunate absence of the President of the Board of Agriculture, he proposes to-make any partial change in the Supply down; and also whether he is in a position to make any statement with reference to-the Budget and the business for next week?

The PRIME MINISTER

Owing to the regrettable absence of my right hon. Friend, through indisposition, we shall not take the woods and Forests Vote tomorrow, but we shall take the Irish Local Government Vote.

The Budget will not be introduced next week but the week after. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, I am sorry to say, is not in very strong voice.

Next Monday and Tuesday, we propose to take the Welsh Church Bill.

Perhaps the hon. Member will put his other question to-morrow.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether on Wednesday he can take his Motion with regard to Blocking Motions?

The PRIME MINISTER

If we can get the Second Reading of the Welsh Church Bill on Tuesday, I will consider that suggestion.

Mr. HUNT

I wish to ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether the Motion standing in my name for to-night is blocked?

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member for East Nottingham presents his Bill, I think that would happen.

Colonel BURN

May I ask whether the Motion standing in my name to appoint a Committee to inquire into the existing conditions governing the fishing industry in Start Bay can be moved to-night, or is it blocked by the Motion of the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Hogge)? It is a matter of very great interest to those I represent, and after all it is but an appeal for the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the matter.

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member for East Edinburgh proceeds with his intention to give notice of his Bill, that would block the hon. Member's Motion.

Mr. HOGGE

The object I had in view has been served by the Prime Minister's announcement, and I do not propose to present my Bill.

Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

Would it be possible for you, Mr. Speaker, to make an appeal to the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) to adopt the same course?

Mr. MORRELL

I do not intend to move the Bill standing in my name. May I suggest, therefore, that the hon. Member for East Nottingham would be serving the convenience of the whole House by withdrawing his Motion?