HC Deb 27 March 1919 vol 114 cc592-3
56. Lieutenant-Colonel C. LOWTHER

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is prepared to allocate an early date for general discussion upon the question of war indemnities?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I hope that an opportunity will arise on Thursday next.

Brigadier-General CROFT

Will that be a whole afternoon?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No. If it is found that the Irish discussion takes the bulk of the day, I shall try to give another opportunity.

Lieutenant-Colonel LOWTHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the day allocated to this discussion will be prior to the decision of the Peace Conference?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot give such an assurance, but I am afraid it must be.

Brigadier-General CROFT

Will it be next week?

Mr. BONAR LAW

There is no possibility of the discussion next week, except on Thursday. I hope there may be an opportunity then.

Lieutenant-Colonel LOWTHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am sending him a list to-night of another 100 Members desiring discussion at an early date, making more than 200 in all?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it would make any difference if there were 707.