HC Deb 15 June 1917 vol 94 cc1321-2
Mr. MOLTENO

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to arrange that someone from the Foreign Office can be present during the discussion on the Military-Service (Conventions with Allied States) Bill? On the Second Reading various questions were asked which could only be answered by the Foreign Office, and they will arise again to-day. Therefore, it would be for the convenience of the House if he could arrange for someone from the Foreign Office to be present?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That question has been answered by the arrival of my right hon. Friend Lord R. Cecil.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Will he remain here?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I may say that we propose to suspend the Eleven o'clock Rule on Monday, not with the object of sitting late, but in order that we may be able to get through certain business.

Mr. SAMUEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say with regard to Monday's business whether the Instructions to the Boundary Commissioners will have precedent over the Committee stage of the Representation of the People Bill?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, it is intended to take those Instructions first.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman move the Adjournment of the House at 3 o'clock this afternoon or at some earlier hour to enable this House to debate the question of the desirability of reprisals upon Germany to prevent further action on their part?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is the last thing I would do.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the feeling in this country at the present minute in regard to the absolute weakness and apathy on the part of both the naval and military authorities—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must put down any further questions.

Mr. BILLING

Am I not in order in asking the right hon. Gentleman a question when we have only taken forty minutes over questions and there are twenty minutes left.

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member has any questions to ask he must give notice of them in the usual way. The Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the day.