HC Deb 26 February 1919 vol 112 c1819
Mr. G. LAMBERT

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate the course of business, and will he wish the House to sit on Friday?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As the right hon. Gentleman will see from the Notice in my name to-day, we propose to take Supplementary Estimates to-morrow, and, if they be not concluded, to go on with them on Friday. We have taken this course as the best method of utilising Parliamentary time. The Estimates which we intended to take downstairs are not ready, and by freeing the Standing Committee—the only one which has been set up—from the Supplementary Estimates, we hope it may be possible for the Ministry of Health Bill to be read a second time to-day.

Sir R. COOPER

If the Supplementary Estimates be concluded to-morrow evening, will Friday be given up to private Members?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not possible to secure Friday for a discussion on the question of the restriction of imports into this country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I really do not think there would be a general desire to have that discussed this week. As regards the question of my hon. Friend, the House will have plenty to do later on, and if it should be found that we do not need Friday, it would be absurd to sit on Friday simply for the purpose of sitting.

Ordered, That the Civil Services Supplementary Estimates, 1918–19 [presented 11th and 24thFebruary]; the Civil Services and Revenue Departments, 1919–20 (Vote on Account) [presented 13th February]; and the Navy Supplementary Estimate, 1918–19 [presented 18th February], be considered in Committee of Supply.—[Lord Edmund Talbot.]