HC Deb 18 July 1923 vol 166 cc2320-1
Mr. J. RAMSAY MacDONALD

May I ask the Prime Minister what further business will be taken this week, and whether it is proposed to give an opportunity for a discussion on the Motion relating to military expenditure and disarmament standing on the Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Aberavon—[That this House deplores the enormous and growing expenditure on the naval and air forces and on other military preparations which is beginning once more a competition in armaments and is depleting resources that should be available for expenditure on education, public health, and similar social and human services, and, recalling the pledges of political leaders and the expectations of the nation that the great world War was to end war, urges the Government to take immediate steps to call an international conference to consider a programme of national safety based upon the policy that by disarmament alone can the peace and liberty of small and large nations alike be secured.]

The PRIME MINISTER

We hope to take the Lords Amendments to the Housing, etc. (No. 2) Bill and the Third Readings of the East India Loans, Expiring Laws Continuance and Public Works (Loans) Bills, after Eleven o'clock to-morrow (Thursday).

On Friday, we shall take the Report and Third Reading of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Bill [Lords]] and the Second Reading of the Administration of Justice Bill [Lords] and, if time permit, of the Criminal Justice Bill [Lords].

With regard to the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Aberavon, we propose to put it down on Monday of next week.

Captain BENN

When does the right hon. Gentleman propose to resume the Debate on the Second Reading of the Education (Scotland) Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER

If, as seemed probable last night, it require long discussion, I am afraid that there will be some difficulty in making time.

Captain BENN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Solicitor-General for Scotland stated specifically last night that there would be the fullest and amplest discussion, and he gave no indication that the Bill would be postponed.

The PRIME MINISTER

I have not seen what my hon. and learned Friend said. I shall have to look into it.

Mr. HARDIE

There is no long discussion at all. There was only one hon. Member who spoke.