HC Deb 17 May 1897 vol 49 c632
MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government will, without unnecessary delay, consider the possibility of introducing such alteration of procedure as would give effect to the sense of the Resolution passed on Tuesday, 11th May, with reference to the duration of speeches in the House of Commons?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

As far as I understood the terms of the Motion which my hon. Friend carried on Tuesday last; it laid down no limit to the length of speeches delivered in the House; but no doubt the result of that decision shows that the general sense of the House is in favour of curtailing the length of speeches, and there will be a very good opportunity to-night and tomorrow—[laughter]—of ascertaining how far that evidence will be taken to heart. [Laughter.]