§ MR. LEAKEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in consideration of the time occupied by Members of the Government in answering questions put by Members of the House, and also of the considerable difficulty of hearing many of the replies given, it would be possible, at the discretion of Ministers giving such replies, to print them and put them in the hands of Members at the commencement of the sitting of the House; and, whether he would consider, if such a practice were adopted, it might be sufficient for an honourable Member, on his name being called by Mr. Speaker, to rise in his place in silent recognition that his question had been duly answered?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I cannot be surprised at the feeling which has induced my hon. Friend to put this Ques- 763 tion; but, on the whole, I do not think that his object would be promoted by my giving an answer in detail to it at the present moment. It appears to me that some general consideration might very appropriately be given to some of the Rules affecting the putting of Questions in this House; and probably a result of that general consideration might be arrived at which would give satisfaction to my hon. Friend.