HC Deb 22 May 1924 vol 173 cc2414-6
Mr. BALDWIN

May I ask the Deputy Leader of the House what will be the business for next week, and whether he can give us any information as to the date on which he expects to adjourn for Whitsuntide?

Mr. CLYNES

With respect to the second question, the Government do not anticipate that it will be possible to adjourn before Friday, 6th June, in which case they will propose that the House should reassemble on Monday, 16th June.

The business for next week will be:

Monday: Education (Scotland) (Superannuation) Bill, Report and Third Reading; Unemployment Insurance, Money Resolution, in Committee of the whole House, and War Charges (Validity) (No. 2) Bill, Report.

Tuesday: Finance Bill, Second Reading.

Wednesday: Air Supplementary Estimate (Airship Service) in Committee of Supply; China Indemnity (Application) Bill, Second Reading, and if time permit, County Courts Bill, Report.

Thursday: Supply; Vote for the Ministry of Transport.

Mr. BALDWIN

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to get the Finance Bill in one day?

Mr. CLYNES

I thought that was commonly understood, if not accepted, on account of previous statements.

Mr. MASTERMAN

Is the Finance Bill yet printed and circulated, and, if not, will the right hon. Gentleman have it printed and circulated this week, and not leave it till next week?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it the intention of the Government to allocate time after 8.15 on Monday to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Superannuation Bill.

Mr. CLYNES

I understand that the Finance Bill will be in the hands of hon. Members without delay. As to the other point, the Government are not able to determine that matter.

Mr. BALDWIN

Will the Debate on the Preference Resolutions be taken before Whitsuntide, or after?

Mr. CLYNES

It has been our hope to allot a day for the discussion of the Preference Resolutions next week, but I am not certain yet whether it can be done, having regard to the urgency of other matters.

Mr. MACPHERSON

May I ask the Chairman of Ways and Means whether it is proposed to take the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Superannuation Bill on Monday at 8.15?

Mr. SPEAKER

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will look at the Order Paper. He will see there Postponement till Monday next at a quarter past eight will be proposed." That is a notice to the House.

Mr. MACPHERSON

I asked the question because the Government's business appears to be so enormous on Monday that I thought this Bill might once again be postponed.

Mr. SPEAKER

If the Bill is set down for 8.15 by the Chairman of Ways and Means, it takes precedence over Government business.

Mr. STURROCK

On a point of Order. Why was it that this Bill, which was down on the Paper for to-night, has been postponed, when hon. Members had arranged to be here specially for it?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question is wholly in the discretion of the Chairman of Ways and Means.

Mr. STURROCK

Is it not the duty of the Chairman of Ways and Means to allow the House to know the course of business which is going to be taken?

Mr. SPEAKER

He has done that by putting the notice on the Paper.

Mr. P. HARRIS

When is the Report stage of the London Traffic Bill likely to be taken?

Mr. CLYNES

I am afraid it cannot be taken this side of the Whitsuntide Recess.

Mr. EMLYN-JONES

When is it the intention of the Government to introduce the Agricultural Wages Bill?

Mr. CLYNES

Not before the Whitsuntide Recess.

Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

When are we to have the Estimate for the gear for Scottish fishermen?

Mr. CLYNES

On that subject, I hope to be able to make an announcement on Monday.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Will any declaration be made about the Housing Bill before Whitsuntide?

Mr. CLYNES

Yes. We hope to be able to give a day for the introduction of that Bill before Whitsuntide.