§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDMay I ask the Prime Minister what business he proposes to take next week?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMonday: Supply, Committee (5th Allotted Day) —Ministry of Labour Vote.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until Half-past Seven, Report stage of the Budget Resolutions.
Thursday's business after Half-past Seven will be announced later; and on any day, if time permit, other Orders will be taken.
§ Mr. MacDONALDDoes that mean that the right hon. Gentleman proposes to get his Report stage on the Budget Resolutions finished by Half-past Seven o'clock on Thursday?
§ The PRIME MINISTERhope so. We are allotting a whole sitting more than the right hon. Gentleman gave us in 1924, and we are allotting rather more time than we have given at any time during the last six years, except two years.
§ Mr. MacDONALDIs it not the case that last year, when there was much less controversy, the time that was allotted was 2½ days, and that on those days we ran up to 8.15 instead of 7.30?
Mr. RUNCIMANMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not consider that this is an abnormal Budget and that therefore it is entitled to abnormal time for discussion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI gather that the right lion. Gentleman's party is going to treat it as such, and I am perfectly prepared to consider the question. I have given what I considered a reasonable allowance, but I do not steel my heart against more if it is found necessary.
§
Ordered,
That the Committee of Ways and Means have precedence this day of the Business of Supply." — [The Prime Minister.]