HC Deb 24 March 1892 vol 2 cc1691-2
MR. DALZIEL

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury when the Government intend to move the appointment of the Committee to inquire into the present system of reporting the Debates of the House?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No pledge, I think, was given on behalf of the Government that they would appoint a Committee to inquire into this matter; but I admit that such information as has reached me on the subject leads me to believe that considerable dissatisfaction exists in the House with the way in which the Debates are reported. It is, perhaps, rather premature to have an inquiry into a system which has been in operation such a very short time; but if it should be the general wish of the House to have such an inquiry after Easter, I shall be very glad to appoint a Committee then.

MR. DALZIEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman say in which way he wishes to obtain the general opinion of the House?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (, &c.) Stirling

If I have rightly heard the right hon. Gentleman, I understand him to say there was no pledge given on the subject.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I thought that was so.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I cannot agree with the right hon. Gentleman that there was no understanding on this subject. I think there was a distinct understanding that a Committee should be appointed to inquire into the existing contract, and any change that may be necessary.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Well, my memory may have failed me on that point; but, at all events, I entirely agree with the spirit of the right hon. Gentleman's remarks, and I am perfectly ready to appoint a Committee immediately after Easter.

MR. DALZIEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the desirability of appointing a Committee in time to permit of their Report being presented during the existence of the present Parliament?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Yes.

MR. J. MACLEAN (Cldham)

Will it not do to refer this matter to the Standing Committee on the publication of Parliamentary Papers, and add a few Members to it for the purpose of this special inquiry?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

It is not usual to add to a Committee of this kind on Parliamentary Papers; but I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, and if that is found to be the most convenient course it will be adopted.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Will it be necessary to have a Committee of the House of Lords as well?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think the House of Lords has its own Committee; but I will consider the matter.