§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Prime Minister will take an early opportunity next week to make a. statement as to the connection between the Government and the Press?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSince I received notice of my right hon. Friend's question I have communicated with the Prime Minister. If he will put the question on Monday, the Prime Minister will be glad to give an answer. I may say that I have received notice that several Members propose to raise this question to-day, and I would suggest that they might prefer to raise it on the Consolidated Fund Bill on Monday, after they have heard the statement.
§ Mr. McKENNACan the right hon. Gentleman say what tine business will be for next week?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOn Monday we propose to take the Vote of Credit, Report.
§ On Tuesday, the Consolidated Fund Bill, Second Reading.
§ On Wednesday, the Consolidated Fund Bill, Committee—a purely formal stage— and the Second Reading of the Education Bill.
§ On Thursday, the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill.
§ I may add that the notice in my name, "That this House do sit To-morrow," is only put down in case we do not get the Vote to-day. If we get the Vote to-day the Motion will not be moved at the end of this Sitting.
§ Mr. McKENNAWith regard to the Prime Minister's statement on Monday, does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the discussion should take place on the Consolidated Fund Bill on Tuesday, after the statement by the Prime Minister on Monday?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am very sorry I had forgotten the order of business. It is the Report of this Vote, which is as suitable an opportunity as the Consolidated Fund Bill, and will take place on Monday.
§ Sir C. HENRYCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the House will adjourn for Easter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am sorry I cannot give an answer to that yet.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose that the discussion on the Second Reading of the Education Bill should be continued after the Consolidated Fund Bill?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Committee stage of the Consolidated Fund Bill is purely formal, and only occupies a few minutes.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTWhen is it proposed to take the third Order on the Paper, the Report of Navy Estimates?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot give a date for that. Of course, it will be taken, as my right hon. Friend knows, as soon as possible.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I ask whether the Prime Minister on Monday, in dealing with the question of the Press, will also deal with the dismissal of Admiral Jellicoe and the statement made yesterday?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe two subjects have certainly no connection. The Prime Minister will be here, and I have no doubt will be ready to deal with any subject the House wishes him to deal with.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDo I understand from the Leader of the House that the Report stage of the Navy Estimates will be taken before the Consolidated Fund Bill? I defer, of course, to his knowledge.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI confess I do not follow these things myself. My Noble Friend has not told me that.
§ Mr. KINGWith regard to the Education Bill. I hope the Leader of the House will not insist on the Second Reading being concluded on Wednesday, if a large number of Members desire to speak.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe hon. Member knows I am always ready, as far as I can, to meet the convenience of the House. I hope the Second Reading will be completed on Wednesday, but I shall be guided by the feeling of the House.
Ordered, "That the Proceedings on Government Business be not interrupted 2147 this night under the Standing Order (Sittings of the House), and may be entered upon at any hour, although opposed."—[Mr. Bonar Law]