In accordance with custom, it is proposed to appropriate Private Deputies' time as there is very considerable financial business to be dealt with.
Order of Business.
I do not think the Vice-President is quite accurate in saying that the proposal is in accordance with custom.
At this time of the year, yes.
Private Deputies' time has always been given when the House is dealing with the Budget. I suggest it would be better if the Government permitted Private Deputies' business to be considered to-night on the understanding that the motion in question would be concluded to-night. Alternatively, if the Vice-President will agree, it would suit if the Government gave Private Deputies' time on Friday in order to conclude that motion. It is hardly fair to have it kept on the Order Paper all this time. I do not want to embarrass the Government, but I think some effort should be made to get the motion finished to-night or on Friday.
I entirely agree with the Deputy that his motion ought to be concluded. The Government is quite satisfied to give the Deputy time to conclude the debate, but we could not get any promise up to this that the debate will be concluded. As long as such an undertaking is not given, we have no idea how much time will be occupied. We are quite ready to adhere to the promise given to the Deputy to allow him time to conclude the debate, on the understanding that it will be concluded in a definite time.
I suggest the Government should give one and a half hours to-night or on Friday, on the understanding that the motion will be concluded. Such a course would be better in the interests of the conduct of business in the House in the future.
If the Government will give one and a half hours to-night, to-morrow night or on Friday, I think it would be possible to conclude the debate.
If that undertaking is given I am quite satisfied. We will arrange to have Private Deputies' business taken at 9 o'clock to-night.
Ordered accordingly.