HC Deb 18 February 1890 vol 341 cc675-6
A LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir HERBERT MAXWELL,) Wigton

I beg, Sir, to move— That a Select Committee be appointed to assist Mr. Speaker in superintending the form and regulating the Distribution of Parliamentary Papers:—Mr. Arthur Acland, Mr. Bartley, Mr. Causton, Mr. Arthur Elliot, Mr. Gill,. Mr. Howell, Mr. James Maclean, and Sir Herbert Maxwell:—Three to be the quorum.

MR. H. H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton)

I object.

SIR H. MAXWELL

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not press his objection, as there is much work waiting until the appointment of this Committee. We shall be most happy to receive from the right hon. Gentleman and other hon. Members suggestions as to the most convenient method of dealing with the Parliamentary Papers.

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I have no objection to the Committee being appointed to do the work which the hon. Baronet refers to, and I have perfect confidence in the Gentlemen proposed to be appointed on it; but what I object to is that the Committee should have power to settle what Parliamentary Papers shall be distributed during the ensuing Session without the matter being again referred to the House. If the hon. Baronet will introduce words obliging the Committee to report to the House, I will not press my objection. Last year we inadvertently consented to the appointment of the Committee, believing the question would be referred back to the House. But it never was so referred. If the hon. Baronet cannot assent to the suggestion I now make, I shall press my objection.

SIR H. MAXWELL

To-morrow.

MR. H. H. FOWLER

Does the hon. Baronet intend to re-move his Resolution in its present form, or to introduce the words I have suggested?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover Square

We will consider the point.

House adjourned at a quarter after Twelve o'clock.