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369
China Indemnity
[Mr. Wilson.]
HOUSE OF COMMONS
one of the objects of which the Govern- ment have also indicated their consent and approval. It is in order to get that point, which only came to our notice a few days ago, made perfectly clear, that it is being raised at this last moment.
Mr. ERNEST BROWN: I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will agree to a postponement of the Debate. The point raised by the Noble Lord is im- portant. I am not clear whether or not it is competent for us to discuss the details of the charter in this House. I am not at all sure that it is not a matter of His Majesty's privilege and that the Government cannot give the undertaking which is asked. Therefore, it is im- portant that a postponement should be granted and that consultations should take place, in order that we may be sure of what we are doing with the money and in order that the universities may be so placed that the money will serve the purpose which we mutually desire.
Mr. W. GRAHAM: I think the House will agree that the position of the Gov- ernment is quite clear in this matter, but I shall briefly repeat it, before making a proposal to the House. The Second Reading of the Bill was taken and also the Committee stage upstairs, and there was no suggestion at all of postponing it at either of those stages. Nor had the Government any intimation from the Noble Lord, or any other hon. Member, that a Motion for the postponement of the proceedings on the Bill was in- tended to-night. I desire to make that perfectly clear. At the same time, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs pointed out that if there was a desire to clear up this matter of the use of the fund, more par- ticularly as related to the Universities China Committee, an opportunity would be afforded for discussion and any Amendment that was agreed upon would be inserted in another place. Since that declaration was made, Mr. Speaker has indicated that it might be ruled that this is a Money Bill. As you have not finally ruled on that matter, Mr. Speaker, I hope I shall not be lack- ing in respect if I say that I took the view that this was not merely a matter of the allocation of funds, but referred to contracts and other subjects, and did not particularly bear on the question of
(Application) Bill.
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a charge. I think it cannot be regarded as a Money Bill, but I do not want to argue that now. It may
be that that view will prevail. If that view can be regarded as correct, then an amendment can be made in another place, but I must bear in mind, with great respect Mr. Speaker's view. His view may taken, that this is a Money Bill, and that therefore any Amendment would be precluded in another place, and it would be inconsistent with my hon. Friend's offer to run the risk of our being pre- vented from moving an Amendment on that point which may be mutually desired. If the House will accept that explanation, which I think
think will be accepted, I am quite willing in the cir- cumstances to postpone the further con- sideration of this Bill for a few days, and to suggest to the House that we might to-morrow-my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary and others-consult to- gether in order to clear up the matter, and, if possible, to arrive at an agree- ment.
Lord H. CECIL: I wish to thank the right hon. Gentleman for his suggestion, with which I heartily agree.
Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN: Might I sug- gest that a draft of the Charter should be issued as a White Paper, so that we may know what is really the determining document in this matter?
Mr. GRAHAM: I cannot give the Noble Lord any reply on that point. I think we had better wait until after we have had a joint meeting to-morrow to ascertain the position with regard to this Charter.
Question put, and agreed to. Ordered, "That further consideration of the Bill,
Bill, not amended, be
adjourned."
now
Bill, not amended (in the Standing Committee), to be further considered,
to-morrow.
The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.
It being after Half-past Eleven of the Clock upon
Mr. Tuesday evening, SPEAKER adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
Adjourned at Thirty-seven Minutes after Eleven o'clock.
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