Major BARNES(by Private Notice) asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will defer the Second Reading of the Dyes Bill until after the Report has been made by the Sub-Committee on Dyes appointed by the Central Profiteering Committee?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir. The position of the dye industry in this country is now so difficult that in view of the fact that a general agreement on this subject has been attained between the dye producers and the great majority of consumers of dyes, it is essential that the nation should make good its pledge to that industry as soon as possible.
Major BARNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee has been sitting taking evidence for the last eight months; that this Report is in draft, and could very speedily be made available for the service of the House, and, in view of that fact, will he not reconsider his decision?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Committee's Report will be just as valuable after we have fulfilled our pledges as it would be before.
§ Sir D. MACLEANDid the right hon. Gentleman seriously mean what he said, that the Report of an expert Committee on this very difficult and controversial topic will be as much after the discussion as before it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWEither my right hon. Friend is under a misapprehension or I am. I understood that this was a Profiteering Committee dealing with the question whether or not they had been selling at proper prices. That could have nothing to do with our fulfilling our pledge.
Major BARNESI beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment to-night.
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government hope to get this Bill through before Christmas?