HC Deb 19 July 1904 vol 138 c428
MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL

I wish to ask the Prime Minister when the vote of censure will be taken.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I understand it has been arranged through the usual channels that it shall be taken on 1st August. The first order on that day will be the suspension of the twelve o'clock rule for the rest of the session, and the second order the vote of censure.

MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL

Is it intended to take both those matters on the same day?

Mr. A. J. BALFOUR

The alternative I suggested would have enabled the censure Motion to be taken on Thursday, but it did not seem to meet with favour.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE (Carnarvon Boroughs)

Is it not usual to have a discussion on the state of business on the Motion for the suspension of the twelve o'clock rule, and does the Prime Minister think it fair that we should be precluded from discussing the state of business.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I should have much preferred the other arrangement. I did not desire this.

MR. BUCHANAN

Is there any precedent for putting a vote of censure in any position but that of first order of the day?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I doubt if there is any precedent for refusing to make such arrangements as would permit of a vote of censure being taken within three days of the time it was suggested.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

As a somewhat interested party, I would like to point out that that was a perfectly futile offer, owing not only to the nature of the business, but also to the fact that a private Bill occupied a long time at the evening sitting.