HC Deb 21 July 1919 vol 118 c918
Sir DONALD MACLEAN

May I ask the Leader of the House a question with regard to the Motion which stands in his name as to the suspension of the Eleven o'Clock Rule to-night? If, as is generally anticipated, a large number of the Members wish to take part in this Debate, will he press the extension of the time so far as to bring all the stages of these two Bills to a conclusion, or, in view of what may happen, will he just ask the House to sit, say, till twelve o'clock, and then if it is necessary take another day?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As I indicated last week, the Government will be in the hands of the House in this matter, which will be in charge of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister himself. We have no desire to use pressure to compel the House to come to a decision on a matter so vital, but if we do not there will be great inconvenience, especially as to-morrow so many Members will be away seeing the Fleet, and I do not know when we shall have another opportunity. It is a matter entirely for the House to decide.

Ordered, That the Proceedings on the Treaty of Peace Bill and the Anglo-French Treaty (Defence of France) Bill be exempted at this day's Sitting from the provisions of the Standing Order (Sittings of the House)."—[Mr. Bonar Law.]