§ 47. Sir HARRY FOSTERasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience of discussing after 11 p.m. important Measures under the Enabling Act, 1919, such as the Union of Benefices and Disposal of Churches (Metropolis) Measure, 1926, and the Benefices (Ecclesiastical Duties) Measure, 1926; and whether he will take steps to ensure to this House an opportunity for adequate discussion and examination of such Measures?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn the present state of public business I regret that the Government cannot afford facilities for the discussion of the Measures referred to by my hon. Friend.
§ Sir H. FOSTERMay I make a suggestion to the Prime Minister for his consideration? Since I put down the question, the City Churches Measure, and another Measure, has been put down for Thursday next, which is also to be 1536 devoted to the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill. As these Measures have only one Reading and no Committee stage, may I suggest that he should follow the practice adopted in regard to Private Bills, and that at 8.15 on Thursday the Debate on the Appropriation Bill should be suspended in order that these Measures may be considered, and then the Debate on the Appropriation Bill can be resumed afterwards.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think the Measure in which the hon. Member is interested would have more time for discussion if it were taken after eleven o'clock. It is necessary to get the Appropriation Bill through.