HC Deb 07 June 1901 vol 94 cc1333-4
MR. M'KENNA (Monmouthshire, N.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether any Member of the Gibraltar Commission has resigned his position; if so, whether he has given any explanation of his reasons for taking this course; and if such explanation is in writing, whether he will lay it upon the Table.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

As the hon. Member is aware, the investigation into the subject of Gibraltar was made by a Committee of a very informal character. It is true that on this informal Committee was one Member, my hon. friend the Member for King's Lynn, who did not continue his labours until the end of its work. I know he stated his reasons to the First Lord of the Admiralty, but I do not propose to lay the correspondence on the Table of the House.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to give the House any opportunity of considering or discussing this matter?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No, Sir, there is no Vote for the salary of my hon. friend the Member for King's Lynn.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

May I ask my right hon. friend whether, although there is no Vote or likelihood of a Vote for any salary for me, there is not a motion on the Paper for next Tuesday which will enable the whole matter to be discussed?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I was not aware of it. Next Tuesday is allocated to other business; the first Order will be the motion to take further facilities for Government business, and the second Order will be the Factories Bill.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Will the right hon. Gentleman be surprised if, in the circumstances, I oppose that motion?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I should not be greatly surprised at my hon. friend opposing anything.