§ Mr. CLYNESMay I ask the Leader of the House to make an announcement with regard to the business next week? Does he intend on Tuesday to adjourn the House? May I ask also whether, in view of the large number of questions which it is known it is wished to raise, he will consent to the House meeting at 11 o'clock on that day? Finally, can he announce the business to be taken after the House reassembles?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn view of the wishes expressed on the benches opposite that two days should be given to the Budget, we were prepared to allocate Monday and Tuesday for that purpose and to take the Motion for Adjournment on Wednesday. If it be the general wish—and I can only do that by the general consent of the House—iffie House can meet on Tuesday at 11 o clock, and, if it finishes the Budget discussion in good time, we can take the Adjournment Debate. To that the Government would, of course, raise no objection. I can only add that if I have a practical assurance 1431 that a Motion appearing on the Paper for that purpose will be accepted in all quarters it shall be put down.
§ Mr. CLYNESDoes the right hon. Gentleman not anticipate that the Budget discussion will conclude on Monday night?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI quite agree it could be concluded on Monday and that all that it is profitable to say can be said in one day, but there is a great gap between that conviction and an assurance of what the House can do, and will do, if it chooses. I am bound to prepare for eventualities. If right hon. Gentlemen opposite, representing the different parties, are content with one day for the Budget, there is no reason why we should not take the Adjournment Motion on Tuesday as the first order, and the arrangement will then be, Monday for the Budget, and Tuesday for the Adjournment Debate.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYIn view of the promised statement by the Secretary of State for the Colonies on Ireland, may I ask when the Debate on that statement will take place?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThat is one of the disturbing factors which prevents me making a confident prediction as to the length of time we shall have to sit next week.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYDoes that mean we are to assume we shall have an opportunity of discussing the Colonial Secretary's statement?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINOf course, a discussion on the statement can be raised on the Motion for Adjournment. There is another way in which a discussion can be raised known to hon. Gentlemen and within their control. I do not propose to anticipate evil. I think I can assure the House they may escape without a sitting on Wednesday.
§ Mr. CLYNESWhat about the business after Whitsuntide?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI will make a statement on that matter early next week. I shall try to arrange that, on the Monday on which we reassemble, Bills of a non-contentions character will be taken.