HC Deb 20 November 1919 vol 121 cc1140-2
Mr. CLYNES

Can the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the House say what business will be taken next week, and also will he announce the form in which the discussion to-morrow on the housing question will be taken?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The business proposed for next week is— On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Report of the Electricity (Supply) Bill.

On Thursday and Friday, the Government of India Bill, in Committee.

We had contemplated taking the discussion on Premium Bonds on Wednesday, but I am informed that a section of the House would find that day very inconvenient. It is therefore proposed to take it on Monday of the following week.

As regards the discussion to-morrow the form most suitable will be, I think, to move the Adjournment, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health will begin the discussion by stating the position in which the problem is now, and how the Government hope to deal with it.

Mr. G. LAMBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on what day of the week after next the Anti-Dumping Bill will be taken?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, Sir; it is impossible as yet to give the exact date.

Sir E. CARSON

Will the Irish Education Bill be introduced on Monday?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The introduction, as my right hon. Friend knows, is a formal stage.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. REMNANT

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to proceed with the Electricity Bill to-day?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We take it to-day and next week.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman state, for the convenience of the House, in what form ho proposes to take the opinion of the House with regard to Premium Bonds?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have considered that. There is a proposal on the Paper, first in the name, of my hon. Friend and another in the name of my hon. Friend behind me (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke). According to custom, the natural thing would be to take the first Resolution, which I think really raises the issue, and perhaps it would be convenient for him to move it, and the hon. Member who has the other Resolution down to second it.

Lord R. CECIL

To-morrow the Minister of Health will make a statement as to the Government policy on housing. I do not complain, but do I understand there will be no opportunity for the House to express any opinion whether it approves of that policy or not? The Motion will be merely a Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think any other course will be possible, but if the House is dissatisfied, they can vote against the Motion for the Adjournment, which will be a condemnation of the Government.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Will there be an opportunity to-morrow for Scottish Members to raise those aspects of the housing question which affect Scotland, and will the Minister responsible for health, in Scotland be there to take part?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am sure he will be there, but whether or not Scottish Members can take part must depend on the Members who are called. My experience of my own nationality is that they always get their share.

Mr. BILLING

Having regard to the importance of the Debate to-morrow, if a conclusion is not reached by five o'clock, will there be any means of continuing the Debate?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Of course, it would be possible to suspend the Five o'Clock Rule, and the Government would have no objection, but I doubt whether the House would ask for it. (HON. MEMBBKS: "Why not?"]

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opinion of the House on the point?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Notice has to be given to-day. The Government have no objection, and we will consider it.