HC Deb 12 April 1921 vol 140 cc937-8
Mr. ASQUITH

Can the Government tell us what business they propose to take to-morrow and Thursday?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

To-morrow we propose to take the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Bill and the Housing Bill.

On Thursday we propose to take Supply—the Office of Works Vote.

Captain W. BENN

When is it intended to take the Ways and Means Resolution for the Safeguarding of Industries Bill?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot say that. My two colleagues who are most intimately associated with the subject, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade, are both occupied with other matters.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Could not the Minister for the Colonies take over this duty?

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

When will the House have another opportunity of discussing the present situation on the Reserve Forces Motion—this afternoon?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That I cannot say. I am sure there will be no advantage in renewing the discussion to-day.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

May I say simply as a private Member—it may be against the opinion of the House—but surely we are here for the purpose of discussing just these very things?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is making a statement instead of asking a question.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

I am asking the right hon. Gentleman if he cannot reconsider his decision not to allow the House to discuss most important events which are going on at present.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am sure that those who have the most intimate knowledge of the subject feel, with me, that this is not the moment for discussion in Parliament, and I hope the House will therefore not insist on a right which it can undoubtedly insist upon, but which I am sure it would feel it inopportune to exercise.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Is it not a fact that last week we had a Debate on this subject which was of great benefit to the country, and that everyone knows how to speak with moderation here, and if that is so, can we not even discuss a matter like the trade union manifesto which was given out yesterday?