HC Deb 28 June 1915 vol 72 cc1483-5
Mr. CHAPLIN

I wish to ask the Prime Minister if there is any change in the arrangements for the business during the week?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes. In consequence of the great urgency of the matter, we propose on Wednesday to take, instead of the business already announced, the Committee stage of the Munitions of War Bill.

On Thursday the Second Reading of the Pensions Bill, instead of Supply, which was announced; and the Trustees Investment Bill will be presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to-morrow.

Mr. HODGE

I would like to ask if the right hon. Gentleman could give us another day, as it would greatly facilitate matters? So far as the principle of the Bill is concerned we are in entire agreement, but there are one or two small matters which I think we could arrange with the Minister of Munitions without troubling the House.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I understand that it would not be at all inconsistent with respect for the House of Commons that there should be a conference between the Minister and Members who have criticisms to offer before we come to the House. It would save a good deal of time, and I would suggest to my hon. Friends that if they have any Amendment to move, or any alterations they would like to see in the Bill, they should first of all come and see me on the subject, and if we are unable to come to an arrangement then what is left could be fought out in the House of Commons. It would save a good deal of time if this could be done.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Are we to understand that it is the present intention of the Government to confine the Committee stage to one day, even if there be a disposition on the part of hon. Members to submit Amendments?

The PRIME MINISTER

Of course, the Government is in the hands of the House in this matter, but I should hope that by some such procedure as my right hon. Friend has indicated it may prove to be possible to get it all through in one day. I am sure it would be very desirable that we should secure the passing into law of this Bill as speedily as possible.

Mr. HOGGE

May I ask why the Prime Minister is introducing the National Register Bill under the Ten Minutes' Rule, in view of the fact that it is impossible to make any speech at all under the Ten Minutes' Rule unless you are opposed to the Bill and intend to divide the House? Under these circumstances, does the right hon. Gentleman think that is quite fair to the whole House?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think it is perfectly fair, because it is most desirable that the Bill should be printed and circulated before a general discussion upon its principles takes place.

Sir RYLAND ADKINS

May I ask when the Pensions Bill will be printed?

The PRIME MINISTER

On Wednesday morning.

Mr. HOGGE

Might I ask my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister why that was not done in the case of the Munitions Bill, when there was a long discussion on the Motion for leave to introduce it?

The PRIME MINISTER

In that case we promised that a statement should be made by the Minister of Munitions on the whole question, and the House was most anxious to hear it. It was a very exceptional case. As a rule I think it is much better that a Bill of this kind, dealing with a great deal of details, should be printed before the Second Reading discussion takes place.

Mr. LOUGH

Does the invitation of the Minister of Munitions apply to the whole House?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly, anyone who has any suggestions to make for the improvement of the Bill I shall be delighted to see, and I can fix any hour convenient to hon. Members to see them, to-morrow morning.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when and where we can see him, because some of us intend to resist very bitterly any Amendment, because we want the Bill as it stands?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I hope my hon. Friend will come there to support me at this conference.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Where can we see the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am always to be seen at my office.

Sir W. BYLES

If the Government is so short of time for the discussion of this Bill would it not be advisable for them to resume Friday sittings?

The PRIME MINISTER

In regard to most of these matters I am glad to say there is general agreement, but we think that the details of the Munitions of War Bill should be the subject of very careful consideration.