HC Deb 29 June 1925 vol 185 cc2004-5
45. Mr. COOPER RAWSON

asked the Prime Minister when it will be possible to give the promised time for the Report stage and Third Reading of the Summer Time Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER

In the present state of Parliamentary business, I regret that it is not yet possible for me to make any statement.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Did we not understand that this Bill would be passed into law, and did not the Government star it for the purpose?

The PRIME MINISTER

I understand that there are some differences of opinion with regard to this Bill. If each side would be content to take something less than the maximum desired, it might be passed by agreement, but if the Bill is a controversial Bill, as it appears to be at the moment, I am very much afraid it will be difficult to find time for it, owing to the congestion of Parliamentary business.

Mr. BASIL PETO

Is it not a fact that the Home Secretary, on the Second Reading of the Bill definitely gave a pledge that these controversial questions would be settled by a free vote of this House?

Mr. RAWSON

In view of the majority by which the Bill was passed in this House, and in view of the fact that all the arguments on both sides have been exhausted—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]—in the opinion of most people, anyhow, will not the right hon. Gentleman give an evening after 8.15 to dispose of this question?

The PRIME MINISTER

I doubt if that would be sufficient.