On Tuesday in the Commons Mr. Asquith made a statement
of the Government's legislative programme. After naming a number of minor Bills which are to be dropped, he said that the Government would probably also have to drop the Defec- tive and Epileptic Children Bill. He hoped that the House would assent to the following Bills : The Mental Deficiency Bill, the Appellate Jurisdiction Bill, the Finance Bill, the Isle of Man Customs Bill, the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, and the Insurance Act Amendment Bill. He then spoke more particularly of the Revenue Bill and the Bill for giving an indemnity to Sir Stuart Samuel. He believed that the Revenue Bill would meet the grievances as to the land taxes. He trusted that the Bill might go through as an agreed measure. If not, the Government would reluctantly be obliged to withdraw it. As for the Bill for indemnifying Sir Stuart Samuel, the Government would consider reasonable sugges- tions, but had not time for controversial discussion. He was anxious that the Industrial and Provident Societies (Amend- ment) Bill and the Extension of Polling Hours Bill should be passed. The Irish Land Purchase Bill would not be proceeded with this session.
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