HC Deb 02 June 1921 vol 142 cc1248-9
Mr. CLYNES

May I ask the Leader of the House if he can now announce the business for next week?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

On Monday and Tuesday we propose to take the Second Reading of the Safeguarding of Industries Bill.

The business for Wednesday will be definitely announced on Monday, but probably it will be the Committee Stage of the Finance Bill.

On Thursday, Supply Day, we propose to take the Post Office Vote.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Could we be informed when the adjourned statement of the Colonial Secretary (Mr. Churchill) on the Middle East, which was promised for to-day, will be made?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Probably it will be the week after next, but I cannot at this moment definitely fix the day.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Could we be informed why it was postponed?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It was postponed, as I told the House last night, because we found it impossible to get the information in time to frame the Estimate, so that it might be in the hands of Members for their consideration before to-day.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Polo!

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary, as I have good reason to know, is extremely anxious for an early day, and the kind of under-current of suggestion that he is playing with the House, in order that he may play elsewhere is quite unfounded and very unfair to him.

Lieut.-Colonel J. Ward

Could the Colonial Office Vote be put down in such a way that the question relating to child labour and the selling of women in Hong Kong could be discussed, because it is a very important subject, and, in view of the lukewarm attitude of the Colonial Office, an opportunity ought to be given to the House to come to a decision upon it.

Earl WINTERTON

Might I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that it has already been promised that the Vote shall be left open, so that it will be open to Members to discuss that matter on the second day?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am obliged to my Noble Friend for answering the question.

Resolved, That the Proceedings on the Motion relative to Emergency Powers Act, 1920 (Regulations), in Committee on Railways [Money], and on the Reports of the Committees on Housing (Scotland) [Grants], Overseas Trade [Credits and Insurances], and Finance [Consolidated Fund] have precedence this day of the Business of Supply."—[Mr. Chamberlain.]