HC Deb 20 March 1899 vol 68 cc1330-1
MR. MACLEAN (Cardiff)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the growing practice of blocking Motions for the Adjournment of the House to discuss definite matters of urgent public importance: and whether he will consider the expediency of leaving such Motions to the absolute discretion of the Speaker and the House, with only such limitations on their authority as are already imposed by the terms of Rule 17?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)

In answer to my honourable Friend I have to say that no evidence has come before me that would induce me to believe that the practice of blocking Motions for Adjournment has increased.

MR. J. LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

May I ask whether my right honourable Friend remembers an episode when I put down a Motion of the character—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, Order! I think the right honourable Gentleman should give notice of any specific Question of that kind.

MR. J. LOWTHER

I was only asking my right honourable Friend whether he would refresh his memory.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

It has escaped my memory at this moment, but I shall be glad to refresh it if my right honourable Friend desires.