§ Mr. ATTLEEMay I ask the Prime Minister what business he proposes to take on Friday?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROn Friday, the business proposed is the Licensing (Permitted Hours) Bill, Second Reading: the Palestine Loan Bill, Committee stage; and the Milk (Money) Resolution. Report stage.
The Licensing Bill is being presented to-day, and arrangements have been made for copies to be made available to Members in the Vote Office at five o'clock this evening.
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTI understand that the Bill to which the Prime Minister refers is to be made available this evening. Does he think that that is an adequate opportunity for the consideration of the Bill? We are not aware of its terms, but it raises a matter of some public importance, and the Debate is to take place on Friday morning. That gives, I suggest, very little opportunity for consultation——[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] I assume that, before the Second Reading of an important Measure, the public of this country have a right to be consulted, and this gives no opportunity for that consultation. I should have thought that, if the opportunity for consultation had been given, it might have shortened the Debate in this House.
§ Captain P. MACDONALDCan the Prime Minister say how many Clauses the Bill contains?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROn the point of consultation, I think that, if my hon. Friend will cast his mind back, he will recollect that notice of this Bill was given 169 on the 17th of this month, before the House rose, and its contents were indicated. There is no extension, and I think my hon. Friend will find, when he sees the Bill, that it may very well be taken on the notice we have given.