HC Deb 05 July 1917 vol 95 cc1321-2
Mr. McKENNA

May I ask what business will be taken next week?

Mr. BONAR LAW

On Monday we propose to take the Home Office Vote;

On Tuesday and Wednesday the Committee stage of the Corn Production Bill;

And on Thursday the Mesopotamia Report.

On Monday I shall announce the business for Friday next.

Sir H. DALZIEL

On what motion will the Debate on the Mesopotamia Report be taken? Will it follow the usual precedents?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I fancy that will be the case.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Before we take the Debate on the Mesopotamia Report, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House some indication of the action the Government propose to take in consequence of that Report?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am sure the House will realise that the Government cannot take action without very careful thought— because everything is involved in the case of those individuals concerned. We are considering it, and I do not know whether it will be possible to give any indication before the Debate, but we shall do so then.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Would it not be better to have the Debate adjourned until we have had a statement from the Government as to what course they are going to take; otherwise the Debate will wander over large sections of opinion?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think there is any danger of that happening because some Member of the Government will speak very early in the Debate, and give an indication of what it is proposed to do.

Mr. G. FABER

If the Debate be not concluded on Thursday will there be a further opportunity for Debate?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am giving Thursday for the Debate, and I hope that will be sufficient. Of course, it will be a question for the House.

Ordered, "That the Proceedings on the Finance Bill have precedence this day of the Business of Supply."—[Mr. Bonar Law.]

Resolved, "That this House do sit Tomorrow."—[Mr. Bonar Law.]