§ 52. Mr. ACLANDasked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the recommendations of the Committee on Procedure governing Bills which involve charges; and whether he will recommend to the House the moving of Financial Resolutions in Committee in all cases in which charges on the rates are involved?
§ 58. The right hon. Gentleman also asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government have considered the recommendation of the Select Committee on the procedure governing Bills which involves charges; and whether they have decided that such Bills shall be accompanied by a statement showing the probable cost to the ratepayer, and that Clauses in them affecting ratepayers shall be distinguished in some manner?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have had this matter under consideration, but I find that almost every recommendation requires either the passage of new Standing Orders or legislation, and I fear that time cannot be found for their consideration at present.
§ Mr. ACLANDHas the Government come to any decision on the merits, apart from the question of procedure?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. I have been looking into the matter myself personally, with a view to bringing it before the Cabinet, and I find I am at once, brought up against the difficulty that with a single exception—as far as I have been able to make out—every recommendation requires either a new Standing Order or legislation.
§ Captain W. BENNIs a new Standing Order required to enable the Government to lay before the House, a paper showing the cost of these proposals as they affect the ratepayers?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman look at the question? I am referring to the proposals of the Committee.
§ Captain BENNHas the right hon. Gentleman read Question No. 58, to which he has just replied, asking that a statement should be laid before the House showing the probable cost to the ratepayer involved? What is the answer to that?