§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, having regard to the delay of the business of the House of Commons on Wednesday and Thursday last by the failure of Ministers of the Crown in punctual attendance to answer Questions, with reference to matters relating their Departments, in the time allotted to the delivery of oral answers 786 to Questions, whether he will endeavour to ensure for the future the punctual attendance of Ministers at Question time.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am aware that it is extremely desirable that both those who ask and those who answer questions should be punctual, and I trust that no serious inconvenience has ensued from any lapse which may have occurred from the high standard which has been maintained.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThe Question I put on the Paper has been altered. I want to know what explanation the right hon. Gentleman has to offer of the delay.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI presume, Sir, the explanation in each case is different.