§ 64. Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government will consider the introduction of legislation with a view to nationalising royalties in this country?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am afraid that there is no possibility of such legislation at present.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSOn a point of Order. May I ask for your guidance on this matter, Mr. Speaker? This question was originally addressed to the Prime Minister, because it affects the time of the House. It was changed, with notice to me, but without asking in any other way for my opinion. How are we to find out on the Floor of this House about matters concerning legislation, if when we put questions to the Prime Minister they are transferred to a Department?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt is not my business to decide who answers questions.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas not a private Member the right of direct access to the Prime Minister for the purpose of putting questions dealing with legislation?
§ Mr. SPEAKERQuestions are answered by the Minister who happens to be responsible for the subject to which the question refers.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIf I had asked a question as to when legislation is coming on I should have been referred to the Prime Minister. It is quite impossible for us 1155 to get information, if all matters which may be connected with a Department are transferred to it.