BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 24 February 1927)

§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD
Would the Government state what business it is proposed to take next week?

§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Commander Eyres Monsell)
The business will be:
Monday: Civil and Revenue Departments Vote on Account, Committee stage. A Debate on the Washington Hours Convention will take place on the Ministry of Labour Vote.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Business up to 8.15 will be announced to-morrow.
Thursday: Civil and Revenue Departments Vote on Account, Report stage.

§ Mr. MacDONALD
Has the Government yet made up its mind when it is going to give a day for discussion of Russia, which was promised by the Prime Minister?

§ Commander EYRES MONSELL
That day has not yet been fixed.
Motion made, and Question proposed, That other Government Business have precedence this day of the Business of Supply and that, notwithstanding anything in Standing Order No. 8, any Private Business set clown at a quarter-past Eight of the Clock this evening, by direction of the Chairman of Ways and Means, may be taken after half-past Nine of the Clock." —[Commander Eyres Monsell.]

§ Mr. STEPHEN
On a point of Order. I wish to ask whether this Motion is in order, whether there are not two questions involved here, one that Government business have precedence, and then something with regard to Private Business?

§ Mr. SPEAKER
The Motion is in order. It is true that there are two separate questions, but the first question is merely an arrangement of the business of the House. I shall, of course, separate them if asked to do so, but I hardly think the House would desire it.

§ Mr. STEPHEN
I wished to ask a question with regard to the second part of the Motion, and I was not sure whether I should ask it at this stage. I want to know the reason for the second part of the Motion, and why by direction of the Chairman of Ways and Means Private Business should be taken after 9.30?

§ Commander EYRES MONSELL
It is perfectly true that thin Motion embraces two motions, but it is the custom so to frame it. I understand that the hon. Gentleman wishes to know only about the second part, that lealing with the Motion put down by request of the Chairman of Ways and Means. That is done to allow the second opposed Order to be taken after 9.30 p.m. Otherwise, under the Standing Orders, the second Order could not be taken after 9.30.

§ Mr. STEPHEN
Is this second part of the Motion debateable?

§ Mr. SPEAKER
Yes.

§ Mr. N. MACLEAN
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury whether the Chairman of Ways and Means expects to get the first Order through before hall-Fast nine o'clock'?

§ Commander EYRES MONSELL
I have not the least idea.

§ Mr. MACLEAN
Then why this Motion, if you have not an idea? You are putting it down.

§ Commander EYRES MONSELL
Because he hopes to get it through.