HC Deb 07 December 1925 vol 189 cc42-3
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I beg to ask the Prime Minister a question on business. The right hon. Gentleman announced on Friday that the proposed duty on wrapping paper had been dropped by the Government—at least so I understood—but on to-day's Order Paper I observe that Order No. 4 is the consideration in Committee of Ways and Means of the Resolution dealing with that duty. Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why it is still on the Order Paper if the duty has been abandoned by the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

My attention has not been called to it. I can only explain the presence of this Order on the Paper by saying that someone has made a blunder.

Captain BENN

In reference to the Irish Bill, when is the right hon. Gentleman going to take the Money Resolution which is required by Standing Order 67?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am not aware that a Money Resolution is necessary.

Captain BENN

On that point, Mr. Speaker—the Bill of course it quite non-controversial—does Standing Order 67 not say This House will not proceed upon any Bill. … for compounding any sum of money owing to the Crown, but in a Committee of the Whole House.

Mr. SPEAKER

Those are certainly the words of the Standing Order referred to by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. As to whether or not they apply to the Bill I have no idea. The Bill has not yet been printed and circulated.

Mr. HARRIS

May I ask the Prime Minister whether on the Report stage of the Safeguarding Resolutions this afternoon, he will arrange that a representative of the Treasury should be present to explain what revenue is likely to arise out of the proposed taxes, and the method of collection by the Customs?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am sure that someone on this Bench will be able to answer whatever questions may be put.

Mr. FENBY

May I ask the Prime Minister as to a matter of business of a very important nature concerning County Councils? When is the Bill regularising the valuation of smallholdings under the Act of 1908 and the Land Settlement Facilities Act, 1919, likely to be introduced? The valuation arranged for in the 1919 Act has to be complete by 1st April next, and it is absolutely necessary that a measure should be passed into law before the end of this Session.

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice should be given of that question.