§ MR. STEWART (by Private Notice)asked the Leader of the House whether his attention has been called to the delay in cables to India, which has the effect of making it impossible for those who have connections with India to receive replies to their messages on the Government of India Bill, and whether, taking this into account, in addition to the very short time which has elapsed since the Report of the Select Committee was published, the Government cannot see their way to postpone the consideration of this Bill?
§ Sir E. CARSONBefore the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask whether, having regard to the great importance of this Bill and to the necessity of everybody approaching the consideration of it in a friendly and sympathetic spirit, it would not be well to grant a few days' delay in order to meet the wishes of a large number of the Members of this House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSince I gave the reply to my hon. and gallant Friend (Colonel Yale) last week I have received very many representations urging that there should be delay, and I have also ascertained that what my hon. Friend (Mr. Stewart) has said about the cables is ac curate. I have been in a difficulty about it, because this is clearly a case where, if the Bill is to be passed at all it is of the greatest important that there should be no delay, and especially that it should have gone through both Houses, if that be possible, before the big meeting in India on 1634 26th December. For that reason, I desired to press it. I have felt, however, in view of these representations, that even from the point of view of feeling in India nothing would be worse than that we should begin the discussion of this subject with a feeling of grievance on a question of detail. I have, therefore, decided to postpone the consideration of this Bill until Wednesday next week.
§ Colonel YATEIf on Wednesday of next week we find that there is still cause for further delay, will the right hon. Gentle man keep an open mind on the subject?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have given my hon. and gallant Friend the reason which made it difficult for me to meet him before. I feel sure that I shall have the sympathy of the House in saying that we must go on then.
§ Captain ORMSBY-GOREAre we to understand that it is the intention of the Government to see that this Government of India Bill is placed upon the Statute Book by Christmas?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf that is within our power, it is our intention. In my belief this is one of the cases where a few weeks' delay might really do infinite harm.
§ Mr. ADAMSONCan the right hon. Gentleman inform us what business will be taken on Thursday?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOn Thursday we propose to take the Agricultural (Councils, etc.) Bill, the Mental Deficiency and Lunacy (Amendment) Bill, the Unemployment Benefit Bill, the Irish Railway (Confirmation of Agreement) Bill, and the Ferries (Acquisition by County Councils) Bill.
§ Mr. A. SHAWCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Imports and Exports Bill will be taken?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI will make a statement about that on Thursday.
§ Captain REDMONDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the text of the Irish Railways Bill is not yet available, and, that being so, is it fair to take this Bill at such short notice?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI understood that it would be available either this afternoon or to-morrow, and I am informed that it is not contentious. If my hon. and gallant Friend takes another view when he sees it, I will reconsider it.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONIf the Electricity Supply Bill is concluded to-day, what business will be taken to-morrow?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Third Reading of that Bill and some other Bills, including the Lords Amendments to the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Bill.
Captain R ED MON DIs the Irish Education Bill to be taken this Session?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWe hope so.
§ Captain REDMONDAt what time?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot name the time.