HC Deb 03 April 1884 vol 286 cc1505-7
MR. ARTHUR ARNOLD

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the increasing share of the time of this House which is occupied in putting and answering Questions, Her Majesty's Government would support the Resolution for arranging Questions, of which Notice has been given, and which stands on to-day's Paper?

MR. HEALY

I rise to Order. Is there not a Rule of the House that controversial subjects should not be allowed to be put in the form of a Question? This Question refers to the increasing delay of Public Business which arises from the time occupied in putting Questions to Ministers. I have heard it alleged that the delay arises from Tory Obstruction.

MR. SPEAKER

There is nothing irregular in the Question.

SIR ALEXANDER GORDON

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the increasing delay in the transaction of Public Business, which arises from the time occupied in putting and answering Questions, Her Majesty's Government would support the Amendment to the Resolution for arranging Questions, of which Notice has been given, and which stands on to-day's Paper; and, whether Ministers have at present the power, practically, to arrange for all Questions of an ordinary character being put on Tuesdays and Fridays by replying to a Question put on Monday or Thursday that the answer will be given on the Tuesday or Friday following?

MR. GLADSTONE

My hon. Friend the Member for Chelsea (Mr. Firth) has a Question on the same subject, and I will reply to all three.

MR. WARTON

I rise to Order, and I will ask your opinion, Sir, whether the Question of the hon. Member for Chelsea can be answered when it had not yet been put? I wish to take an objection to that Question.

MR. FIRTH

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he will consider the feasibility of proposing a Rule of Procedure similar to that suggested in November 1882 by the honourable Member for Devonport, whereby Government business may be taken at four of the clock on Mondays and Thursdays, without any preliminary business except such Questions as may, in the opinion of Mr. Speaker, be of immediate and urgent importance; and, whether he will further consider the propriety of so far modifying the rule as to the blocking of Bills as to prevent the abuse of such rule which now takes place?

MR. WARTON

As Question No. 61 has now been asked, my point of Order is this, whether the word "blocking" mentioned in this Question is a recognized Parliamentary term; whether it appears in any Paper or Standing Order of the House; and whether it is not a piece of vulgar slang?

MR. SPEAKER

In regard to the point of Order, the term "blocking" is a colloquial expression recognized in this House. It has been used from the Chair with the approval of the House, and the import of it is fully known to the hon. and learned Member for Bridport and to the House.

MR. GLADSTONE

With respect to the three Questions put to me, I have one and the same answer to make. I conceive that they are really intended to indicate a feeling that is widely spread, and, I am sorry to say, is only too well-founded. That feeling relates to a matter which is of very considerable importance, affecting the efficiency of the House in the conduct of its Business; but it is not in my power properly to bring the matter under consideration, as it does not rest with me unless at the time when the Government called attention to the subject of Procedure.

SIR WILLIAM HART DYKE

May I ask the Prime Minister whether the Government would have any objection to the preparation of a Return in reference to the putting of Questions to Ministers? I venture to throw out this challenge, that these Questions are the direct outcome, and may be directly referred to the Rule of Procedure called the "gagging" Rule, which places it in the power of the majority to silence the minority.

MR. GLADSTONE

If the right hon. Gentleman thinks that any useful information on the subject of Questions can be given in the form of a Return, probably he will be kind enough to put his suggestion in such a shape as to show its scope and purport.

MR. ARTHUR ARNOLD

I beg to give Notice that I will, on the earliest opportunity I can obtain, move the Resolution of which I have given Notice today.