HC Deb 17 August 1916 vol 85 cc2097-8
Mr. STUART-WORTLEY

May I ask the Prime Minister if he will kindly inform us what will be the business for next week?

The PRIME MINISTER

On Monday we shall continue the Committee stage of the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Bill.

On Tuesday we hope to move the Adjournment, and we shall probably have to ask the House to sit on Wednesday for the outstanding business.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say for how long we shall adjourn?

The PRIME MINISTER

I hope until the 10th October.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Will the House meet at twelve o'clock on Wednesday next?

The PRIME MINISTER

We will consider that.

Mr. RAWLINSON

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman not to take the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Bill on Monday. It is a highly contentious measure, and, rightly or wrongly, a very large number of Members who thought it was not coming on have gone away. There is no urgency about it. It was taken off the Paper for a considerable time and does not appear there to-day. It is a measure which involves very important principles, and. as I have said, is highly contentious.

The PRIME MINISTER

We only propose to continue the Committee stage on Monday. It has been taken off the Paper because of the number of Amendments and the cost of printing involved.

Mr. KING

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity on Monday for considering the general feeling about a Special Register Bill? It might save difficulty in the future if we consider it in some way.

The PRIME MINISTER

No. We have had a very general discussion, and we have the Motion for the Adjournment on Tuesday.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

When will the Third Reading of the Small Holding. Colonies Bill be taken?

HON. MEMBERS

Last night!

Sir F. BANBURY

May I draw the attention of the Prime Minister to the fact that there are eighteen pages of Amendments to the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Bill? Several hon. Members who are interested in it were under the impression that the Bill would not be taken and have gone away. May I ask that we shall not be compelled to sit beyond eleven o'clock on the Bill? If I may say so, it is a little hard just at end, of the Session to keep us after eleven o'clock on a big Bill like this on which there has been no obstruction. It is a very big Bill, and it has been much altered by the Government, who have admitted that it requires very important and considerable alterations.

The PRIME MINISTER

We will not keep the hon. Baronet up after eleven o'clock.

Sir W. BYLES

If the House agrees to adjourn on Tuesday, can we take the outstanding business on Wednesday?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes. It is really necessary for the Royal Assent.