INDEMNITIES. (Hansard, 2 April 1919)

§ Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHER
I beg to ask the Leader of the House whether, in view of the likelihood of the Debate on the Irish Estimates occupying the whole of to-morrow, he will consider the advisability of giving an earlier opportunity far discussion of the urgent question of war indemnities?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
When I proposed tomorrow, I thought there was a chance of the Irish Debate closing by dinner-time. I am led to believe by those best competent to judge that that will not happen. I regret that it has not been possible to fix an earlier day, and I see no means by which such a date can be found except that of moving the Adjournment to-day. If, Mr. Speaker, you think the occasion justifies that course, the Government would be prepared to assent to that.

§ Colonel LOWTHER
In view of the answer of the Leader of the House, I beg leave to move the Adjournment of the House, in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the proceedings of the Peace Conference, and to ask for information and explanation, especially in regard to the question of war indemnities.

§ Mr. SPEAKER
Before I put the Question, may I, as this is the first opportunity that has arisen in this Parliament of moving the Adjournment on an urgent and definite matter of public importance, point out to hon. Members that there is no necessity for them to rise in their place unless they challenge the Question that leave be given. When I put the Question whether the hon. Member who makes the Motion has the assent of the House, it is not necessary for Members to rise unless there is a shout of "No!" Should there be a shout of "No!" I will then ask the hon. Member of he is supported. The hon. and gallant Member for the Lonsdale Division asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House, in order to call attention to an urgent and definite matter of public importance, namely, the proceedings of the Peace Conference, and to ask for information and explanation, especially in regard to the question of indemnities. Has the hon. Member the leave of the House?
The pleasure of the House having been signified, the Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a quarter past Eight o'clock this evening.