HC Deb 21 May 1903 vol 122 cc1357-9

At twenty-five minutes past two several Members who had Questions to the Secretary of State for War were called upon, but in the absence of the Minister the Questions could not be put. Subsequent Questions to the Colonial Secretary and the First Lord of the Treasury in succession could not be put for the same reason. A Question to the President of the Local Government Board also remained unanswered.

After a pause,

MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)

, addressing Mr. Speaker, said: On the question of order, Sir, perhaps you could tell us what course is to be followed in the circumstances in which the House finds itself.

MR. SPEAKER

It is not exactly a question of order. I think that in the unusual circumstances that a little delay will be found most convenient to the House.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT

Would it not be much better if we were to meet at half past two?

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY (Somersetshire, S.)

May I move the adjournment now?

MR. SPEAKER

At the end of Questions. I think it would be convenient to wait a few minutes. The hon. Members who have Questions will not be prejudiced then.

The absent Ministers here entered the House.

MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe)

I wish to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to what has happened this afternoon owing to the unavoidable absence of Ministers to whom Questions were addressed, he does not think the time has arrived when the universal desire of the House to meet at a more convenient hour should be acceded to.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have indicated very clearly to the House that I am quite ready to consider any unanimous view of the House that could be given expression to without any lengthened discussion, provided the House would accept an arrangement which would not curtail the length of time given to public business. I have said that before, and the result is that it is perfectly clear that the House is not prepared to accept that solution. Under these circumstances I think the hon. Gentleman must allow the Question to stand over until we have a further trial of the new rules.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what is the use of putting down Questions to Ministers at a quarter-past two o'clock when Ministers are not here to answer them?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Gentleman is entering upon an argument which may be of importance but which clearly does not arise at Question time.