§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I, in consequence of the Motion for the Adjournment of the House secured by the hon. Member for the Falls Division of Belfast (Mr. Devlin), ask the Leader of the House a question with regard to the Debate on the Colonial Vote to-day? It is a very important Debate, and large numbers of Members want to take part in it. Could my right hon. Friend at once arrange to give a second day, because it will be quite impossible to complete our Debate satisfactorily before a quarter past eight?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have already been asked to give a second day to the Colonial Office Vote in order that matters other than those that are going to be raised to-day may be discussed, and I cannot undertake to do more. I am sorry that hon. Members should be deprived of any part of the time allotted to the Vote to-day.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI beg to move,
That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Order No. 15, the Supplementary Estimate for a New Service in Civil Services Estimates, 1921–22, Class 5, Vote 3, may be considered in Committee of Supply this day.In moving this Resolution, I think I ought to offer a word of explanation about it. To-day was to have been a Supply day, devoted to the discussion of affairs in the Middle East. Owing to the transfer of the money from the Army Vote to the Colonial Office Vote this, technically, is a 244 new service. That will prevent the day being a Supply day under the ordinary Rules, unless this Resolution be carried. It is not new matter; it is merely a transfer of money from one Vote, in which it was included, to another Vote, where it can be better brought under control and discussion. I believe I have the assent of both the parties opposite to the Motion that I make, but I thought that I ought just to explain it to the House.
§ Question put, and agreed to.