§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the Motion standing in the name of the Leader of the Opposition, "Government and the Coal Industry," can be taken on Thursday with a consequent postponement of the business announced for that day; and, if not, whether Monday will be allotted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERArrangements having been made for business as stated by me on Thursday last, it is not now possible to make any alteration. With regard to the last part of the question, the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the position of Government business must to some extent affect the selection of time for Debates on subjects which the Opposition desire to raise, and that it is necessary to make progress with the Unemployment Insurance Bill. I therefore suggest that the Committee stage of that Bill be completed on Monday evening, and in that event I will be willing to set aside Tuesday for the Motion.
§ Mr. MacDONALDI am afraid that we can enter into no bargain in regard to the Committee stage of that Bill.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI did not ask for any bargain. I made a suggestion. I will give Tuesday. I think it is very important for the progress of business, having regard to how near we are getting to Christmas, that the Committee stage of that Bill should be out of the way. That is what I put to the right hon. Gentleman.