HC Deb 20 May 1914 vol 62 cc1952-3
Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Finance Bill, which, I think, we were promised we should have yesterday, has not yet been circulated; and whether he thinks we really ought to be asked to discuss the Financial Resolution on the Home Rule Bill, which is very largely affected by the Finance Bill, without seeing its provisions?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know about the circulation of the Bill, but all the necessary information was supplied with regard to the Irish matter by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board two nights ago.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think not. It is very desirable that we should have the terms of the Finance Bill.

Mr. CASSEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the Motion for the Adjournment all that the President of the Local Government Board supplied was the amount of the expenditure; and that the terms of the Clauses of the Finance Bill are extremely important?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I gave what were in effect the terms of the Finance Bill so far as they relate to Ireland. The provisions are extremely brief and are in substance what I stated in answer to the hon. Member on the adjournment the night before last. I think that when he sees the Finance Bill he will have no cause of complaint.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Can the Prime Minister give us any explanation why the Bill has not been circulated?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am told by my right hon. Friend that there are one or two points of detail which are still outstanding and which have delayed the circulation of the Bill.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Why was it not possible to circulate the Clauses which deal with Ireland?

The PRIME MINISTER

My right hon. Friend gave the whole substance of those Clauses two nights ago.

Mr. CASSEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked for the draft of those Clauses?

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