HC Deb 17 April 1923 vol 162 c1879
Mr. J. RAMSAY MacDONALD

I wish to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question about the business for Thursday. In view of the fact that the President of the Board of Trade is to be abroad, and in view of the fact that it is very desirable that the Norfolk dispute and other agricultural matters should be dismissed without delay in this House, representations should be made for an alteration in the Votes set down for Thursday, so that we may discuss the Board of Agriculture Vote, instead of the Vote for the Mines Department?

Mr. BALDWIN

I understand that the business arranged for Thursday is the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Vote, Class IT, Vote 14.

Mr. PRETYMAN

Would it be possible, in view of the fact that the Ministry of Agriculture Vote is to be taken on Thursday, to make an arrangement to discuss the Report of the Economic Tribunal? It would be very difficult to discuss the Ministry of Agriculture Vote, without discussing that Report. I am not quite sure what are the rules of Order on this point. I do not, know whether you, Mr. Speaker, could give us any guidance in the matter?

Mr. SPEAKER

The House will be in Committee, and I cannot interfere with the province of the Chairman of Ways and Means.

Mr. PRETYMAN

I do not know whether the Chairman of Ways and Means is in the House? If so, can he give us any guidance in this matter?

Mr. SPEAKER

I have no doubt that the Chairman of Ways and Means will endeavour to meet the convenience of the Committee as far as possible.