It is proposed to take business on the Order Paper in the following order:—Nos. 1, 2 and 3. When the business as ordered is concluded, Private Deputies' business will then be taken. As a matter of convenience, if the House has no objection, it is desired to take the Midwives Bill, that is, No. 3, at 6.30—to interrupt whatever other business may be on at that time.
Order of Business.
In regard to the meeting of the House in the week after next, in view of St. Patrick's Day being on a Friday, on what days will the House sit in that week?
The present intention, I believe, is to sit on Tuesday and Wednesday of the week after next.
Is it not rather absurd to have a holiday next week and then to sit two days the following week? Could not some better arrangement than that be made?
Could we not sit next week and not sit during St. Patrick's Day week?
That would not be suitable from the point of view of business.
If we have not got the business, it cannot be helped, but it seems rather absurd to bring us up for two days of the week after next.
The Vote on Account, which is rather urgent, will be coming up.
I thought we might sit next week and stay at home the week after.
If there is a strong feeling on the matter, I will ask the Chief Whip to discuss the matter with the various Parties.
I take it the Government will not categorically object if there is a general feeling in favour of sitting next week and staying at home the following week?
It can be discussed with the Whips.