Mr. RUNCIMANWill the right hon. Gentleman say what business he proposes to take next week, and what Orders on the Order Paper to-day will be proceeded with before we rise?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe only Order in addition to the first which we propose to take to-day is the Grand Juries (Suspension) Bill, which was under discussion last night.
On Monday, we propose to take the Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Bill, Committee, which is purely a formal stage. We also hope to get the remaining Civil Service Supplementary Estimates. There are only two or three of them. After these have have been taken, if, contrary to my hope, there should be any delay, the Adjournment will be moved, in order to enable the Prime Minister to make a statement as to the policy of the Government in regard to further restrictions of imports, and as to agriculture, especially in reference to the submarine menace.
On Tuesday, we propose to take the Consolidated Fund (No.1) Bill, Third Beading, and I hope that the House will allow the Second Heading of the National Service Bill, which we propose should be taken on the same date.
On Wednesday, we hope to take the Navy Estimates, on the Motion that Mr. Speaker do leave the Chair.
The business for Thursday I should like to leave over until early next week.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLHaving regard to the three promises made, when will the Government proceed with the introduction of the Bill depriving German princes of their titles?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWA Bill has been prepared, and will be introduced into the House of Lords.
§ Sir C. HOBHOUSEIs the Ministry of Food (Parliamentary Secretaries) Bill to be taken, to-day?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo; we are not going to take any Bill beyond the Grand Juries Bill.
§ Sir C. HOBHOUSEWhen will it be taken—next week?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have not yet arranged for a day.
§ 4.0 P.M.
§ Mr. HOGGEWith regard to Monday's business, when the Supplementary Estimates are to be taken, we shall want to discuss on one of the Votes, the Ministry of Pensions, in which we are specially interested, unless, when the new Warrant is introduced, the House will be allowed to discuss it separately? Obviously, our only other opportunity would be to discuss the subject on Monday, on one of the Supplementary Estimates.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I informed my hon. Friend, the matter has been under the consideration of the Government, and I hope they will finish their labours to-day.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill my right hon. Friend tell us the form in which it will be brought forward, and when it will be brought forward, as, otherwise, Monday will be the only opportunity to refer to the subject?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI believe my right hon. Friend (Mr. A. Henderson) promised a discussion if there is any general desire for it, but I hope there will be no such general desire.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLWill the Government proceed with the Bill relating to German princes next week?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already told the hon. Member that there will be no delay, but there are important subjects for discussion in connection with the War, and I am afraid that the question of the German princes will have no immediate effect on the War.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLDoes not their presence defile the peerage?
§ Ordered, "That the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Bill and the Proceedings on the Grand Juries (Suspension) Bill have precedence this day of the Business of Supply.—[Mr. Bonar Law.]