asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to introduce an' Expiring Laws Continuance Bill; and, if so, whether he will include therein provision to continue the Local Authorities (Financial Provision) Act, 1921, which comes to an end in December next?

The Expiring Laws Act, 1922, became law in August, and the Government do not propose to introduce a further Measure of the kind this year. The questions arising out of the expiry at the end of next month of Section I of the Local Authorities (Financial Provisions) Act are at present under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this Act be not renewed the poorer boroughs in London will be bankrupt, as it is impossible to carry on, and they will have the same position again as they had a year ago?

The matter is under the consideration of the Minister of Health, for whom I am taking the question at the moment, but I am sure that the consideration referred to is present to his mind.

If there is nobody on that bench who does understand the subject, may I ask the Prime Minister to put there somebody who does? I appeal to the Prime Minister. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] You will not put me down that way. I would ask the right hon. Gentleman—[HON. MEMBERS: "Better!"] —hold your tongues—whether he will kindly get the necessary information, make himself acquainted with the subject, and give me an answer to this question to-morrow?

I think that I am fairly well acquainted with the subject, but if I understood my hon. Friend's question, it relates to a certain decision. I would suggest, therefore, that if he wants a more definite answer on a point of policy involving a decision he should put a question down.

I have asked you a question, and you are not able to answer it. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

We cannot debate the matter by question and answer.