HC Deb 26 June 1905 vol 148 c73

When the Questions addressed to the Secretary of State for War were reached the right hon. Gentleman was not in his place to answer them.

MR. SWIFT MACNE. LL (Donegal, S.)

Where is the Secretary of State for War?

An HON. MEMBER

He has resigned.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

, addressing the Speaker, said: On a point of order, Sir, may I put a Question? There are eighty starred Questions on the Paper to-day, probably more than can be answered within the time limited under the rules. If the proceedings are to be interrupted for five or ten minutes waiting for Ministers to come in, it is quite impossible to hope that anything like the number on the Paper can be answered. Is there no remedy to protect the right of private Members to have their Questions answered?

* MR. SPEAKER

The inconvenience may possibly have arisen owing to the fact that the first twenty-four Questions have gone through so very rapidly.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.

at this point entered the House and expressed regret at his late arrival.