HC Deb 19 December 1916 vol 88 cc1394-5
Mr. HEALY

Is it not rather hard in a thin House to proceed with a Bill of this kind? I do not want to offer needless opposition, but it seems to me rather hard, after the day we have had, to proceed with a Bill of this kind in the absence of most Members.

Sir G. CAVE

I hope the Members will come in. It is important that we should get the Committee stage to-day. Those who are not able to be here will be able to put their Amendments down for the Report stage to-morrow.

Mr. HEALY

I shall not offer any further opposition.

The CHAIRMAN

The Amendments in the name of the hon. Member for West Bradford to this and certain other Clauses go beyond the scope of the Bill.

Mr. JOWETT

It is the Ministries and Secretaries Bill. Does not the word "Ministry" cover the proposal? It is not a "Ministers," but a "Ministries" Bill, and it comes, I contend, within the scope of the word "Ministries."

The CHAIRMAN

I am afraid not. The hon. Member brings forward a well-known proposal to establish a series of Parliamentary Committees. That is a proposal which may be very good, but I do not think it can be attached to a Bill of this kind.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.