HC Deb 12 March 1885 vol 295 cc890-1
MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I wish to put a Question to the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister which arises out of the extraordinary condition of the Notice Paper to-day. I find that there are Notices of 77 Questions upon it, and I wish to know whether some arrangement may not be made by which Questions of merely local or personal interest should not be put verbally in the House, but printed, with the answers to them, on the Notice Paper, Mr. Speaker having authority to decide without appeal what Questions are or are not of this character?

MR. GLADSTONE

I can quite appreciate the intention with which the Question of the hon. Member has been put, and I think the suggestion he has made deserves consideration; but I do not think I can undertake to deal with the subject in answer to a Question.

Afterwards—

SIR ALEXANDER GORDON

said: In reference to the Question of the hon. Member for Hertford (Mr. A. J. Balfour), I wish to ask the Prime Minister if he is not prepared himself to move in the matter, and to get rid of this questioning evil; whether he will support a Motion for the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the Rules which relate to the putting of Questions in this House?

MR. GLADSTONE

I doubt whether that course could be followed with advantage at the present moment.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

In the event of the hon. Member for Hertford placing on the Paper a Notice in reference to the putting of Questions, relating to local and personal matters, in this House, I will ask the hon. Member whether, at the same time, he will not use his influence with Members of the Conservative Party to induce them to abstain from placing on the Paper delicate Questions affecting the Imperial policy in relation to foreign affairs at a moment when the issues of peace and war are trembling in the balance?