BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 2 May 1935)

§ Mr. LANSBURY
Would the Prime Minister state what will be the business next week, and say what time the House will meet on Thursday?

§ The PRIME MINISTER
Monday, 6th May, being the 25th anniversary of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne, the Government propose that the House should not meet on that day. At a later stage I shall move a Motion which stands on the Order Paper providing that the House at its rising to-morrow do adjourn until Tuesday.
Tuesday: Government of India Bill, Committee stage.
Wednesday: Motion for an Address of Congratulation to the King; Government of India Bill, Committee stage.
Thursday: Second Reading of Unemployment Assistance (Temporary Provisions) (No. 2) Bill, and the Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.
Friday: Government of India Bill, Committee stage.
On any day, if there is time, other Orders may be taken. With regard to Thursday we propose that the House should meet at 11 o'clock.

§ Mr. CHURCHILL
May I point out to the Prime Minister that there was an informal understanding, in regard to the India Bill, that there should not be too many Friday sittings? We are sitting on Friday of this week and we have already had two Fridays on the Bill. It is very hard indeed to throw this continuous burden upon what, of course, is a minority a gentlemen conducting the counter side in the discussion of this question. I hope the Prime Minister will reconsider the Friday sitting.

§ The PRIME MINISTER
I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that we are really not working on the idea of majority or minority; it is simply a matter of the business of the House. I think I can assure him that next week will be the last Friday sitting.

§ Mr. CHURCHILL
Really, I do not think the right hon. Gentleman deserves much thanks or gratitude for that kind of feeble jest, considering that the Bill is now reaching its conclusion and that very little further time will be required. May I ask that some consideration will 556 be given to the request that the Bill should not be put down for Friday of next week?

§ Mr. BUCHANAN
Considering that we are to discuss the Unemployment Assistance Bill on Thursday, and that it is the intention only to give Thursday for it, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Bill is perhaps one of the most important that will be produced, and that another day might have been given for it?

§ Sir HERBERT SAMUEL
Can the Prime Minister indicate what is the general nature of the Bill? Is it merely a temporary Bill to carry on the existing provisions, or is it a Bill which the House is awaiting to give effect to the new regulations?

§ The PRIME MINISTER
No, it is the Bill which has been in the hands of Members since before Easter.

§ Mr. BUCHANAN
To what hour are we to sit on Thursday?

§ The PRIME MINISTER
Just the ordinary hour.