HC Deb 26 July 1922 vol 157 cc468-71
Sir D. MACLEAN

May I ask the Leader of the House what Orders on the Paper he proposes to take in the event of the Supply Votes and the Divisions thereon being concluded by about half-past eleven?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

We must take Order No. 11, Committee of Ways and Means, and Order No. 12, which is a declaratory Resolution dealing with Air Expenditure in 1920–21, and which, I think, is purely formal, and I should like to take the Lords Amendments to the National Health Insurance Bill. There are only two Amendments, which, I understand, are of a purely drafting character, and we can dispose of them quickly, I hope. Lastly, there is the Wireless Telegraphy and Signalling Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered. That Bill has not yet gone to the House of Lords, and I should be glad to send it there as rapidly as possible, but I would not think of asking the House to take it at an unduly late hour unless with general consent.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

It cannot be done.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. and gallant Member lays down his veto, but I hope he will not hastily make up his mind, as we desire to get this Bill to another place as quickly as possible.

Captain W. BENN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Postmaster-General is already using powers granted to him in 1904 in a manner that is very unexpected, and consequently that any legislation proposed by him requires the most close scrutiny?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will reserve his criticism of my right hon. Friend, who in the administration of his Department possesses the confidence of the public and of this House in a degree that is unusual in a Postmaster-General. I may say that, speaking as an old Postmaster-General myself.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this day, notwithstanding anything in Standing Order No. 15, Supplementary

Estimates for New Services may be considered in Committee of Supply, and that Business other than Business of Supply may be taken before Eleven o'clock."—[Mr. Chamberlain.]

Sir D. MACLEAN

I hope the House will note that in the Motion which is before it the Government are asking practically that a sum of £3,551,000 should be granted without any discussion whatever, and I wish to make that comment, although I am quite aware that it is open to reply that this has often been done before. The answer to that is that the finances of the country were never before in this position and never required, as they do now, the most careful and meticulous examination of the House of Commons, especially in the case of Supplementary Estimates. With that protest, I shall ask those who usually act with me in the House to divide against this Motion.

Question put.

The House divided: Ayes, 218; Noes, 68.