§ 22. Sir K. WOODasked the Lord Privy Seal whether any delay has arisen or any of the proposals for unemployment been delayed in relation to those schemes for employment which are contained in various Private Bills now before the House?
Mr. THOMASThe Order Paper gives particulars of a number of certified Bills which either have not yet received Second Reading or against which petitions have been lodged. The procedure to which the House agreed by passing a new Standing Order just before Christmas will, I hope, reduce to a minimum the Parliamentary time required for the passage of these Bills; but it is obvious that any delay in securing the authority of Parliament to schemes which will relieve unemployment must in many cases delay the putting in hand of work.
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNIs it not a fact that, in addition to the Standing Order passed this Session, there is a clear and definite time before which the Committee stage cannot be taken, because notice must be given to all those who may be affected outside the House?
Mr. THOMASThat is so, but the hon. Member will also know from the answer given by the Chairman of Ways and Means that he has fixed Monday next for certain Bills.
§ Mr. J. STEWARTOn a point of Order. I want, through you, Mr. Speaker, to ask the Lord Privy Seal to speak in such a way that his replies to questions will carry to this part of the House? We have no desire to lose any of the pearls of wisdom which may fall from his lips?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Lord Privy Seal has, I think, heard what the hon. Member has said, and will doubtless take due note of it.