HC Deb 14 July 1920 vol 131 cc2397-8
Sir D. MACLEAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what business he proposes to take on Friday next?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is, I think, essential that the Committee stage of the Finance Bill should be finished this week. I am afraid it cannot be finished to-night, except at the expense of a very late sitting, and I propose, therefore, that Friday should be given to it also, and whatever time is left over will be given to some of the smaller Orders on the Paper.

Sir D. MACLEAN

I suppose the 5 o'clock Rule will not be suspended on Friday?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it is necessary. But if it is really necessary we should have to suspend it, for we must get the Bill.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I wish to ask the Leader of the House whether, in view of the fact that there is a real danger of being involved in war over Poland, there will be any opportunity given to the House for discussion, and when a statement of the whole "circumstances will be made?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think the House will certainly wish for some statement about the Spa Conference, and that largely includes the Polish situation, when it is over, and I have no doubt whatever that we must try to find time for that. I think by that time we shall probably have the reply, and it will be much more suitable to discuss it with the reply than with only the one part.

Mr. TERRELL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman when it is proposed to take the Report stage of the Finance Bill, and can he see his way to give a week's interval between the conclusion of the Committee stage and the taking of the Report stage.

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Finance Bill must be completed within a certain time. We cannot exceed that time. I think it would be to the general interest to finish the Committee stage this week, and take the Report stage at the beginning of the week after next.

Colonel ASHLEY

In view of the numerous discussions which have been proposed, can the right hon. Gentleman say at what date in September the House is likely to rise.