HC Deb 17 July 1919 vol 118 cc609-11
Mr. CLYNES

May I ask the Leader of the House whether we are to sit tomorrow, and, if so, what the business will be; also the business for next week?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, Sir; it is necessary to sit to-morrow, and the business will be the Coal Mines Bill (Second Reading), if we are not able to take it to-day; the Police Bill (Second Reading); and, I hope, in addition, the Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Bill (Report); the War Loan Bill, and, possibly, the Government of the, Soudan Loan (Guarantee) Bill.

Monday—the Peace Bill, and I hope the House may find it possible to allow all stages to be taken.

Tuesday—Land Settlement (Facilities) Bill, Report.

Wednesday—Finance Bill, when I hope the Report and Third Reading will be taken.

Thursday—Supply: Navy Vote on Account.

Friday—Housing (Scotland) Bill, Report, and, I hope, Third Reading.

Sir D. MACLEAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that, with regard to one of the PeaceTreaties—namely, the Anglo-French Treaty—there is likely to be considerable discussion? Will he also bear in mind the fact that there will be considerable difficulty in fulfilling the hopes he expresses of taking all the stages of the Bill on Monday?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Oh, there is no intention of forcing it in any way through the House of Commons. We all recognise the vital importance of the matter, but I think it may be that the House itself would wish we should get these Bills finished.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that whenever any of us has tried to raise any question on these Treaties he has been told that an opportunity will be given the House on their ratification. Is he aware of the very important Amendment standing on the Paper in my own name?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am aware of the fact of the Amendment.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

But the importance of it?

Captain ORMSBY-GORE

In respect to the business before us to-morrow, are we to take it that the Government do not propose to take the Government of the Soudan Loan Bill without some discussion? No statement has been made on it up to the present. May I take it a statement will be made?

Mr. BONAR LAW

A statement will be made, I expect, on the Money Resolution.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Will not Monday be the only opportunity of discussing and amending the whole of the Peace Treaty, including the League of Nations and everything else of the sort, and does the right hon. Gentleman really consider that one day is sufficient?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot say more than I have said. It will be for the House of Commons to judge. The Government, are anxious to have all the formal proceedings, so far as the British Government is concerned, finished as quickly as possible.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can the light hon. Gentleman now give me a favourable reply to the question I put some weeks ago, as to whether an opportunity will be given of discussing the Covenant of the League of Nations apart from the settlement of the Peace with Germany?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is impossible, because it is part of the Peace Treaty.

Major O'NEILL

May I ask when it is proposed to move the thanks of Parliament to the Navy and the Army?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That question has been waiting until the return of the Prime Minister. If a question is put down next week I will try to answer it.

Mr. ATKEY

Is the Prime Minister expected to address us on Monday?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Oh, certainly; he intends to be here.

Mr. J. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the Government is going to move a vote of thanks to the profiteers?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Has the hon. Member put down a Motion with that object?

Ordered, That the Proceedings on the Coal Mines Bill be exempted at this day's Sitting from the provisions of the Standing Order (Sittings of the House)."—[Mr. Bonar Law.]

Ordered, That on this day, notwithstanding anything in Standing Order No. 15, Business, other than the Business of Supply, may be considered before Eleven of the clock."—[Mr. Bonar Law.]

Ordered, That Revenue Departments Estimates, 1919–20, Vote 3 (Post Office), be considered in Committee of Supply."—[Mr. Bonar Law.]