HC Deb 06 November 1930 vol 244 c1026
50. Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Prime Minister how many days he proposes to allow to Members of the House and agriculturists generally between the publication of the Land Settlement Bill and the Second Reading in order that they may have time to consider it properly?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Agricultural Land Utilisation Bill is now in the hands of Members. Its Second Reading will be taken to-day week.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give us rather more time? With a Bill of this importance it would he a great advantage if those interested in agriculture were able to consult with the best experience and opinion in the country.

The PRIME MINISTER

The subject matter of the Bill has been announced for some time, and the Bill will have been in hon. Members' hands for a week before the Second Reading, and I think that arrangement is fair in view of the necessity of getting on with it.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, with Armistice day intervening, there is not really a great deal of opportunity to consult with people, scattered throughout the country, whose interests are very much affected and whose experience it is essential to have?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have taken all these things into consideration. There is a week, including the week-end, and I think it is not unreasonable to ask that a matter like this should be expedited.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is only one day to be given to the subject?