HC Deb 20 March 1917 vol 92 cc635-6
Mr. ASQUITH

May I ask whether the Government have any other information to give us as to the course of business between now and the Recess?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have been informed that there is some opposition to our parting with the Bill for the Prolongation of the Life of Parliament before Easter. As in any case it could not go through the House of Lords before the Recess, I think it would be a waste of time to proceed with it now. That will leave to-morrow free for the further stages of the Military Service Bill which I am introducing to-day. If this Bill is finished to-morrow, then on Monday we shall take the Education Estimates, and the House will adjourn on Tuesday. In any case, I hope the Motion for the Adjournment will be made on Tuesday.

Mr. BILLING

Will any of the other Bills be taken to-morrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If there is time we shall take some.

Sir J. JARDINE

For how long shall we adjourn? [HON. MEMBERS: "That was stated yesterday."]

Mr. BONAR LAW

I said yesterday that we should adjourn for a fortnight.

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

Mr. BONAR LAW

I beg to move, "That this House do sit To-morrow."

Mr. BOOTH

May I ask whether it is intended to move the suspension of the Five o'Clock Rule to-morrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, Sir; I think it will be for the convenience of the House to do so. There will, however, be no intention of sitting late.

Mr. LOUGH

Is it intended to take any other Bills to-morrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

My hon. Friend has asked me whether we propose to-morrow to take other Bills than the one I have stated. There are some small Bills which, if the House is willing, might be taken. The suspension of the Rule, however, will only apply to the Military Service (Review of Exceptions Bill).

Mr. CLANCY

May I inquire about the Courts (Emergency Powers) Bill? If it is not taken this week, it cannot be taken next.

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is one of the Bills which we shall get through if we can, but we shall net delay the Adjournment, because we do not think it is of "that importance.

Question put, and agreed to.

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