HC Deb 02 August 1916 vol 85 cc331-2

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Proceedings on Government Business be not interrupted this night under the Standing Order (Sittings of the House), and may be entered upon at any hour though opposed."

Sir E. GOULDING

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman proposes to take tonight the third Order on the Paper, the Army Act (Amendment) Bill, and, if so, is he aware that the Bill has not yet been placed in the Vote Office? If the Bill is to be considered to-night, it is certainly reasonable that we should have the Bill at our disposal. I would further ask, whether, if the Bill is taken to-night, it will be considered at a reasonable hour, as it raises very important questions, and it ought to be taken when Members can attend and discuss it, and when the purport of the proceedings can be reported in the papers.

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Bonar Law)

I was not aware that the Bill was not printed, and I am afraid if that is really the case it is hardly reasonable to take it to-day. The Minister for War was very anxious to get it through, but if the Bill is not in the hands of Members there is no alternative but to put it off.

Sir E. GOULDING

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when it is likely to be taken, as there is certain to be some discussion, and it is undesirable to rush it through?

Sir E. CARSON

Has the Bill been prepared?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes. As I have said, I am afraid that, as the Bill is not printed, there is no alternative but to put it off, but certainly it will be taken at the earliest moment possible, as the Secretary of State for War is very-anxious to get it through.

Sir F. LOWE

May I ask whether the Municipal Savings Banks Bill will be taken to-night?

Mr. DILLON

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will say, for the purpose of saving time, what it is proposed to take to-night?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is just what I was going to do. We propose to take the Education [Fee Grant], Committee; the War Charities Bill, Second Heading; and the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, consideration of Lords Amendments.

Mr. ASHLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Army Act (Amendment) Bill will be taken tomorrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

My right hon. Friend says it is quite impossible to say that now.

Sir E. GOULDING

Will it be taken on Monday?

Question put, and agreed to.