HC Deb 22 April 1901 vol 92 cc917-8
* MR. M'KENNA (Monmouthshire, N.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state the reasons which have prompted him to abstain from moving for the appointment of a Select Committee on Police and Sanitary Regulations Bills, contrary to the practice of many years.

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. JESSE COLLINGS,) Birmingham, Bordesley

It has been decided not to reappoint the Committee.

* MR. M'KENNA

What is the reason for that?

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

There are several, but a sufficient one is that the number of Bills during the last year or two has so largely increased that it has been found most difficult to get a Committee to undertake the onerous work involved in the consideration of the Bills.

* MR. M'KENNA

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at least ten hon. Members have volunteered to serve on the Committee?

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

That may be, but the hon. Member must be aware that at many of the sittings at which he acted as Chairman last year only two Members attended, and not always the same two. The matter has been very carefully considered by the Local Government Board and by others concerned, who have come to the conclusion that it would be better in the public interest to remit the duty to the ordinary Committees.

* MR. M'KENNA

The Committee over which I had the honour of presiding consisted of five members. The quorum was three. The usual attendance was of four members, and on many occasions all five were present.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! This discussion cannot be carried on by question and answer.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Who is now to do the work hitherto done by the Committee?

* MR. SPEAKER

Notice must be given of that question.