HC Deb 08 March 1917 vol 91 cc593-4
Mr. ASQUITH

Will the right hon. Gentleman state the business for next week?

Mr. BONAR LAW

On Monday we propose to take the Ministry of National Service Bill, Supplementary Estimates, and, if possible, some other Bills;

On Tuesday, the Courts (Emergency Powers) Bill, the War Pensions Bill, the Report of Supply, and, it may be, some other Bills;

On Wednesday, we propose to take the Resolution on Indian Cotton Import Duties.

I would prefer to leave the announcement of Thursday's business until Monday next.

Sir C. HOBHOUSE

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in allotting the business for Thursday, he will remember the undertaking he gave to me that, if a Motion appeared on the Paper with regard to the presentation of the Report of the Dardanelles Commission, and it showed that such Resolution was not only in my own name, but in the names of other Members of the House, he would give an early date for the discussion of that Resolution? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only my own name, but twenty other names appear, and that there are names which have since been added as well?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am still hopeful that, when the right hon. Gentleman has examined this Report, and seen how slight the changes are in regard to it, and that they do not affect in any degree the findings of the Commission, he will not press the Motion. If it is pressed, I will give an opportunity for its discussion.

Mr. LOUGH

Does the right hon. Gentleman, with regard to the business of the House, contemplate making any arrangement for the renewal of the Irish discussion?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I see no reason for contemplating such a thing.

Sir COURTENAY WARNER

Can the right hon. Gentleman fix a day for the Education Vote?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I hope we will be able to take it before Easter.

Mr. RAFFAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what form the discussion on Indian Cotton Import Duties will take? Will it be on the Indian Estimates or on a Resolution?

Mr. BONAR LAW

A convenient opportunity will be afforded by the Resolution necessary to accept the Indian offer. In that form the discussion could be raised.

Mr. HOGGE

When will the Report, stage of the War Pensions Bill be taken?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I hope Monday or Tuesday.

Mr. D. MASON

As there is an expressed desire on the part of Members of this House to discuss the Irish question, can the right hon. Gentleman see MB way to give a day?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In deciding that point we must be guided by the consideration whether or not it would serve any useful purpose.

Mr. PRINGLE

May I ask whether it is the intention to circulate the National Service Bill as amended by the Committee, because it is impossible to put down Amendments unless it is reprinted?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I understand from my hon. Friend that there is only one alteration, and, as it is very desirable to-save printing expenses, it is hoped it will not be necessary to reprint the Bill.