§ Mr. TREVELYANI wish to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question -about business—whether the Government intend to proceed with the Military Service Bill in the absence of Labour Members at Nottingham, and, in view of the unsettled conditions of certain trade unions, whether he will postpone the Committee stage?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe point of this question was brought to my notice last week and was considered by the Government, but, much as we regret the necessity:for the absence of some Labour Members, we do not think it possible to postpone the consideration of this Bill for a whole week. I would remind the House that the Christmas Recess was shortened precisely in order that this Bill might proceed without delay, and, as was pointed out on the Second Reading, its pressing urgency is the greatest justification for the Bill. I may add, also—for I do not wish the House to consider that the Government do not -desire to give every facility—that I understand the formal Conference only meets on Wednesday. We had intended to take the Committee stage to-morrow, but, in order, as we thought, to make it possible that some of the Labour representatives might be present, we put it down for to-day. In these circumstances, I feel sure the House will agree with me that the Government would not be justified in delaying:the proceedings.
Ordered, "That the Proceedings on the Military Service Bill, if under discussion at Eleven of the clock this night, be not interrupted under the Standing Order (Sittings of the House)."—[Mr. Bonar Law.]