HC Deb 18 May 1927 vol 206 cc1190-2
Mr. CLYNES

May I ask the Prime Minister to indicate the business for tomorrow and Friday?

The PRIME MINISTER

To-morrow (Thursday), after the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, we shall take the Second Reading of the Post Office Sites Bill.

Friday, 20th May, will be the Third Allotted Day in Committee on the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Bill.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In reference to the business for to-morrow, am I to understand that it is proposed to take the Post Office Sites Bill before Eleven o'Clock.

The PRIME MINISTER

No, I am afraid that will not be possible. I may say for the benefit of those who have not studied the Bill that it is, so far as I know, non-contentious. [HON. MEMBERS: "No !"]

The PRIME MINISTER

The Bill until passed is holding up a great deal of work for the Post Office.

Mr. BUCHANAN

On the introduction of the Motion regarding the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Bill, we were told it was done deliberately for the purpose of preventing night sittings. If that be the case, why is the right hon. Gentleman persisting—first last night and again to-morrow night—in taking Government business late at night?

The PRIME MINISTER

As I said before, in spite of the opposition of one or two hon. Members, this is a non-contentious Bill and is a Bill which is necessary in order to give employment. As such I think the House will gladly pass it.

Mr. STEPHEN

If this Bill is so important with regard to providing employment, would it not be better to take it before the Trades Disputes and Trade Unions Bill, which is a Bill to increase unemployment?

Mr. BUCHANAN

If this is a Bill to provide work, why have other Bills been taken before it which are not going to provide work in the same immediate fashion? Why has it remained on the Order Paper for over a month, if it is to provide work? Why not have passed it over a month ago?

The PRIME MINISTER

When the hon. Member leads the House of Commons, he will realise how difficult it is to fit in all the business.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the Prime Minister's statement that the Bill is non-contentious, why did not he, or the Whips of his party, make approaches to the responsible authorities long before this in order to have the Bill passed?