§ Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSONMay I ask what business it is proposed to take on Friday, and whether it is proposed to take other business to-night than the supplementary Votes?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Commander Eyres Mansell)If I may answer the second question first, we are entirely in the hands of the House. We have not suspended the Eleven O'clock Rule, but we shall be grateful if the House will give us some of the non-controversial Measures on the Paper with a view to getting the House up in reasonable time for the Summer Recess.
Friday will be given to consideration of the Boards of Guardians (Default) Bill, and we hope this will render a late sitting on Thursday unnecessary.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWhat does the hon. and gallant Gentleman regard as a non-controversial Measure?
§ Commander EYRES MONSELLAll the Orders on the Paper to-day.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWith regard to the first Order, I see the order is reversed, and the second Vote is being taken first. May I ask if it is suggested that both should be taken to-day, and if the second one, the Emergency Services, Vote 9, is taken, is it proposed to bring it on at any particular hour?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)We are entirely in the hands of the House. I understood it was the general desire that the Estimate for the importation of coal should come first. I hope that will not take more than a reasonable time and will leave ample time to take the Vote for the General Strike at a convenient hour.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that both are very important matters and, as far as I can make out, no one below the Gangway has been consulted at all? I hope the right hon. Gentleman will be able to give us some satisfaction.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI shall be glad to give the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfaction at any time. We will see how the Debate on imported coal progresses and perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will discuss through the usual channels when he would like the other taken.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIf there is a desire, as there will be on this side of the House, to debate the coal question up to 11 o'clock, will they agree to that?