§ Sir D. MACLEANMay I ask the Prime Minister what will be the business for next week, and also what business he proposes to take to-morrow?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe propose to take to-morrow the Treaties of Washington Bill [Lords], Second Reading; the Government of Northern Ireland (Loan Guarantee) Bill, Committee; the Public Works Loans (Remission of Debts), Committee; Summer-time Bill [Lords], Report; Solicitors Bill [Lords], Second Reading; Salmon and Fresh water Fisheries Bill [Lords], Second Reading; and, if time permits, the Employment of Children Act (1903) Amendment (Scotland) Bill, Report.
On Monday, we shall take the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, Second Reading; Education (Scotland) (Superannuation) Bill, Second Reading; Railway and Canal Commission (Consents) Bill, Second Reading.
Tuesday: Supply — Colonial Office, Stationery and Friendly Societies Votes.
Wednesday and Thursday: Finance Bill, Report.
Friday: Finance Bill, Third Reading.
§ Sir D. MACLEANDoes the right hon. Gentleman expect that the House will be able to give due consideration to this list of seven Bills to-morrow, and is he aware that in all parts of the House there is a strong expression of opinion that it is unfair to the House to bring forward so many Bills, which can only be dealt with after 11 o'clock at night?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe first Bill, the Treaties of Washington Bill, is an important Bill, but it is uncontroversial. I do not understand that there is any controversy about it.
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, there will be some discussion. There is nothing in the Second and Third Orders. I have seen the Public Works Loans (Remission of Debts) introduced for 32 years, and I have always found it very difficult to discuss it, even in the days when I was anxious to discuss it. The Summer Time Bill has been very fully considered, and the other Bills are not very important.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWho is responsible for this avalanche of Bills being launched upon the House of Commons in July?
Major C. LOWTHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Bill will give rise to a good deal of discussion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf that be the case, I am afraid it will be difficult to get it through. We want to get through these Bills as quickly as possible. This Bill has come down from the House of Lords. If it takes time, then I am afraid it will be impossible for us to dispose of it to-morrow.
§ Mr. WILLIAM SHAWSeeing that the Canadian Cattle debate is not to be taken next week, can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that it will be taken during the week beginning the 17th instant?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA statement will be made next week upon that subject. I am not in a position at the present time to give an answer to my hon. Friend.