§ Mr. CHAPLINMay I ask the Prime Minister what business he proposes to take when the House resumes after the Adjournment, on the 12th of October, and up to the end of that week?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROn the 12th October we hope to take the Second Reading of the Finance Bill. On that day I will announce the business for the other days.
§ Mr. KINGCan the Prime Minister say whether an early opportunity will be given to this House to discuss the Loan which is now being floated in America? Has he observed that in the official statements about that Loan it is said that this will require Parliamentary sanction? In what form will that Parliamentary sanction be asked for?
§ Mr. LOUGHIn regard to the announcement about business, can the Prime Minister say when the Finance Bill will be circulated? Having regard to the important proposals, will he give us a little more time to consider the Bill before Second Reading?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will consider the matter raised by the hon. Member for North Somerset. In regard to the Finance Bill, it will be circulated at the earliest moment; some time in the course of next week.
§ Mr. LOUGHMay I press my right hon. Friend to consider the tremendous importance of the proposals, and will he give us a little longer time before the Second Reading? It is evident the Government are not clear when the Bill will be circulated.
§ Mr. McKENNANext week I shall be very glad if hon. Members who wish to bring particular cases to the notice of the Treasury would communicate with me either in person, or by letter. I propose to devote the whole week to seeing different interests and parties concerned in the Budget. I want, therefore, to delay the final printing of the Bill as long as possible. I am sure in the long run that we shall gain advantage by this arrangement.
§ Mr. LOUGHMay I say that I desire to facilitate my right hon. Friend entirely in keeping back the Bill, but I do ask him to give us a little time to consider this Bill, which is the most tremendous Finance Bill we have ever seen, before the Second Reading is taken. I would ask the Prime Minister, who has great experience in these matters, whether that is not a reasonable suggestion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope the Bill will be circulated in plenty of time. If not we shall certainly extend the time.
§ Mr. BOOTHMay I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his invitation to various people to see him, includes the approved insurance societies, who wish to make representations about the postal matters as well as those in his own province.
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, most certainly.
§ Mr. KINGIs not the Prime Minister aware that we often have Bills sent out with a first and second edition, the second edition being marked to be substituted for the Bill previously circulated. Might not that suggestion be adopted in connection with the Finance Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe do not want to encourage that sort of thing.
§ Mr. BRYCEIf the Chancellor of the Exchequer is going to take the whole of next week for meeting people and talking about the business of the Finance Bill, how will it be possible to have the Bill in the hands of the House before Tuesday, the 12th October, which day is fixed for the Second Reading.
§ Mr. McKENNAThe major part of the Bill is ready now. It is only the individual controversial points of the Bill, about which we wish to have as much time as possible, and to hear as many arguments as possible, which are not ready. It would be quite possible to have the Bill finally in print sometime in the course of next week. I think probably towards the end of next, week.
§ Ordered, That the proceedings on Government Business, if under discussion at eleven o'clock this night, be not interrupted under the Standing Order (Sittings of the House) and may be entered upon at any hour, though opposed.—[The Prime Minister.]