BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 22 November 1917)

Mr. RUNCIMAN
May I ask the Leader of the House what business will be taken next week?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
On Monday, Wednesday, and, if necessary, Thursday, we propose to take the Representation of the People Bill;
On Tuesday, the Coal Bill.

§ Mr. KING
When will the Report stage of the War Aims Committee be taken?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
I cannot give any day.

§ Mr. KING
It will not be next week then, will it?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
I hope it may.

§ Sir FREDERICK BANBURY
I understand that the House is to be asked to sit to-morrow in order to consider the National Health Insurance Bill. This is an extremely important Bill which, amongst other things, adds considerably to the charges on the National Fund. A considerable sum of money is involved, but it is impossible to ascertain what the exact sum may be. Therefore, in those circumstances, I would ask the Leader of the House whether he does not consider that Friday is not an opportune day to discuss a measure of such magnitude and one involving large financial considerations; and whether he will not reconsider his determination, and take the Bill upon a day when the majority of Members can more conveniently be present? Friday is a very inconvenient day for a very large number of Members when the House is not sitting regularly on Friday. If the House always sat on Friday, I quite admit Members ought to make their arrangements to fit in with the sitting of the House, but if the House does not sit regularly on Friday it is very difficult for Members to arrange their ordinary affairs accordingly. When a Bill is not of very great importance there might be something to be said for meeting on a Friday, but as this Bill is of very considerable importance, and also in view of the fact that at the pre- 1406 sent moment there ought to be a proper and due consideration of every measure which deals with finance, and as this adds considerably to the financial burdens of the country, I hope the Leader of the House will kindly reconsider his determination and not take the Bill to-morrow.

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
I am afraid it is impossible for me to do that. I do not think there is anything in a Friday which makes it more unsuitable for the discussion of financial questions than any other question, but I do recognise in the speech of my right hon. Friend that he probably will not be able to attend. That I greatly regret, but I do not think that in itself [...]s enough to make it necessary to upset all the arrangements.