HC Deb 12 December 1928 vol 223 cc2299-300

Resolution reported, That it is expedient to authorise, the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament of such additional expenses of the Land Purchase Commission, Northern Ireland, as may be entailed by any Act of the present Session to amend the Northern Ireland Land Act, 1925.

Resolution read a Second time.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Mr. BUCHANAN

I only wish to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury if he cannot see his way to delay this Motion. Some of us have one or two points to put forward, but we do not want to raise them to-night. We did not oppose the Committee stage last night, and we should be grateful if this matter could be delayed until a more convenient time.

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)

Perhaps I can explain to the hon. Member. The Second Reading of this Bill has already been taken, and there was then ample opportunity for discussion. This Motion is a very narrow one and purely formal, because eventually the charge will not fall on the British Exchequer at all, but will be repaid by Northern Ireland. It is almost impossible to raise anything at all on this Financial Resolution.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I was aware of the Second Reading and also of the Committee stage of the Money Resolution. We could have objected on those stages had we so wished. We did not want to do that, but we do ask, in return, that we should have fair treatment. This matter might be delayed until a more suitable time in order that one or two points might be cleared up. If the Motion is too narrow for this purpose, the Chair will decide. All I am asking is that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury should extend to us the same courtesy as we have extended to him in the past. It is of my colleague that I am thinking to-night. I do not want to delay them beyond 12 o'clock.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Commander Eyres Monsell)

I beg to move, "That the Debate be now adjourned."

We are always ready to meet hon. Gentlemen, and, as long as we can get this Motion before Christmas, it will be quite all right. We will put it down for Friday and give hon. Members a chance of raising any questions which they desire to raise.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Thank you, very much.

Debate to be resumed To-morrow.