§ 56. Captain FITZROYasked the Prime Minister whether he can now give a date for the introduction of the Bill giving effect to the agricultural policy of the Government; and, if not, whether he can state what are the reasons for the delay?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot name a definite date, but the Bill is ready for the decision of the Cabinet which will be given as soon as the Prime Minister returns.
§ Captain FITZROYIn the regrettable and enforced absence of the Prime Minister cannot the Cabinet take responsibility for doing something? Further, would the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that this Bill will be introduced before Whitsuntide?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, Sir; the Cabinet will take responsibility, where it is necessary. But I think my hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension: there is really no delay. It is quite obvious that the Bill cannot be dealt with in any case before Whitsuntide.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WHELERDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the uncertainty now caused by not knowing the terms of the proposed Bill?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, I quite realise the disadvantage of delay, but it is a very big subject, and my hon. and gallant Friend knows that we are certainly not delaying it beyond what is necessary.
§ Mr. E. WOODIs there any truth in the report that this Bill is being delayed by differences as to policy; and if that be true, would not the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of these differences being debated and decided on the Floor of the House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI know nothing of any such differences on policy.