HC Deb 30 June 1914 vol 64 cc201-2
45. Mr. HOARE

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give facilities for the further progress of the Children (Employment and School Attendance) Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. With the existing heavy demands on Government time and the serious opposition which has manifested itself against the Bill, my right hon. Friend is afraid it is impossible to grant facilities for the Bill this Session.

Mr. HOARE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain of the reforms proposed in this Bill are long overdue and to some of them there is very little opposition, and would he give time to see if we could proceed with the less contentious part of the Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I will put that point to the Prime Minister. There is, no doubt, very serious opposition to the leading feature of the Bill.

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider that a measure on these lines was promised in the King's Speech last year and that all the important parts of the Bill have been already passed through a number of stages by the House at one time or another?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I agree, but there is the question of time. I am afraid the Government could not afford the time, and the House would not remain.

Mr. BECK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that portion of this Bill, not a very contentious portion, has passed through each House of Parliament in different Sessions?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I would like to look into that to see what part is non-contentious and if my hon. Friend calls my attention to that I will put it before my right hon. Friend.

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