§ Mr. S. WALSHCan the Leader of the House inform the House what will be the business for Thursday of this week, and also can he state the definite, or an approximate, date on which the Budget will be brought in?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWe propose on Thursday to take the Air Estimates, Votes 5, 4, 8, and 9, and, if time permits, the Office of Works Estimates, Votes 7, 8, 9, 10, and 10c, instead of the Ministry of Health Vote that we had previously suggested.
As regards the Budget, it must be introduced on Monday of next week. The House is aware, I think, that it was the desire of my right hon. Friend the 1718 Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir R. Horne) himself make the opening statement, and the House will believe me when I say that it was quite as strongly my desire that he should do so. But it will realise the extraordinary strain that has been put on my right hon. Friend, and it will understand that, in view of the meetings which are taking place on Thursday and Friday next, which, as we hope, may lead to fresh negotiations. In view of the part in that case that he must play, it is not possible for him to make a statement on that day. Accordingly, at his request, I have undertaken that I will open the Budget in the House on Monday. We shall, therefore, give Monday and Tuesday to the Budget.
§ Captain W. BENNMay I ask whether the Air Votes that have been selected are such as to give the opportunity for a general discussion on the Air policy of the Government?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, I cannot go further ahead in respect to Government business than I have already done.
§ Major HILLSWhen will the Railways Bill be introduced?
§ Mr. WALSHIs there a possibility that the Prime Minister will be present at these conferences along with the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe hon. Member knows that the Prime Minister has not neglected his duty, and if his presence be desirable, he will no doubt make it his business to be present, but the hon. Member is asking me about hypothetical meetings, and I cannot answer definitely in advance.
1719 I cannot yet name a date for the introduction of the Railways Bill, but we are anxious that it shall be taken as soon as possible.
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMMay I ask whether, in view of the arrangement for to-day, the right bon. Gentleman proposes to make the Revenue Bill the first Order to-morrow rather than the Treaty of Peace (Hungary) Bill?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, I think we really must, in view of our international obligations, take the Treaty of Peace (Hungary) Bill to-morrow. I believe, as far as I have been able to gather, that there is no sort of opposition to the Treaty. I hope the matter will not take long, and that there will be time for ample discussion of the Revenue Bill.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo. We never fix Supply far ahead. We take it in accordance with the general convenience of the House as far as we can ascertain it.
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMIn view of the fact that there is a private Motion at 8.15 p.m. to-morrow, will the right hon. Gentleman in these circumstances proceed with a measure so important as the Revenue Bill, which must occasion a great deal of discussion?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWhether we can get the Second Reading or not must depend on the amount of time which can be devoted to it, but I think it would be desirable that we should have the statement of my hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on that Bill as early as possible.