§ 53. Captain WRIGHTasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to include in the Petroleum Bill any proposal of a highly contentious nature, notwithstanding that under the party truce the Government is precluded from introducing such a proposal except in a case of urgent national necessity and the absence of any alternative proposal?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hope that controversy such as my hon. Friend fears will not arise, but, as the terms of the Bill have not yet been settled by the Government, I can make no statement about it to-day.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs my right hon. Friend not aware that if the question of paying royalties comes up it will be highly contentious?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can only refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer. I hope that our Bill will not be considered highly contentious.
§ Captain WRIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is a question of confiscation, and that it is a highly contentious subject?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that confiscation would be highly contentious.
§ Mr. DENMANIs it hoped to introduce the Bill before the Recess?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI said before that I hoped so, but I do not give a definite promise.