§ Mr. BONAR LAWOn Monday we propose to take the Defence of the Realm (Beans, Peas, and Pulse Orders) Bill as first Order, the Post Office Bill next, and the further stages of some other Bills.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Education Bill.
On Thursday, Supply, which I shall have to announce later.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLWhen will the Home Rule Bill be introduced?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid that I cannot give an answer.
§ Mr. BURDETT-COUTTSWhat course does my right hon. Friend propose to take with regard to the Report of the Commission on Proportional Representation, which has been presented to-day, and what sort of interval does he propose to allow before it is discussed?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWPerhaps my hon. Friend will put down a question. I have not had time to discuss that with my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LOUGHCan the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of the promise he made to a wearied House of Commons of a four weeks Recess at Whitsuntide?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt was to a wearied Government, too. I am afraid that hope will not be realised.
§ Mr. FRANCEWill a day be given before Whitsuntide for the Navy Shipbuilding Vote, if asked for?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat must depend on what Vote is asked for by my right hon. Friend opposite.
§ General McCALMONTIs there any method by which the House can discuss the matter of postage to the troops?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, it can be discussed, of course, on the Second Reading, and, if the House should think there ought to be an opportunity of revision, which I hope will not be the case, that can be 1730 arrived at by putting down a reasoned Amendment in favour of that course to the Second Reading.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that Bill has no connection whatever with the increased letter post, and that by the Act of 1908 the Postmaster-General has authority by Warrant to increase the rate of letter post?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIn spite of that, I am informed the course is possible.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWould it not be very inconvenient to have the decision of the House challenged on a reasoned Amendment which, if carried, would mean the rejection of the Bill?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt would be inconvenient, but, of course, any Division is inconvenient to the Government if it goes against them. I hope, however, the House will be satisfied with the discussion and its result.
§ Mr. WHYTEWill the Foreign Office Vote be taken before Whitsuntide, seeing that it was the first Vote in Supply put down before the Easter Recess?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe custom is that the Votes are chosen not by the Government, but by the Opposition. We are in the hands of the House.