HC Deb 23 May 1905 vol 146 cc1138-9
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister a Question of which I have given him private notice—whether, in view of the confusion created by recent declarations of Ministers with regard to fiscal policy, and in particular with regard to the proposed Colonial Conference, he will give a day on which we may bring forward a vote of censure on the Government.

SIR W. HART DYKE (Kent, Dartford)

Before my right hon. friend answers this Question, I crave the leave of the House to ask him one other Question—whether, in the possible event of his giving facilities for another discussion, he will make an appeal to the Leader of the Opposition to offer at all events some expression of regret for the obstruction and insulting language levelled against a Cabinet Minister of the Crown for fifty minutes last evening.

MR. LOUGH

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, I ask you whether it is in order to attribute insulting language to the Leader of the Opposition.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

I do not think that expression was very happily chosen. There was a great deal of clamour and noise, but there were no expressions which I think could be called insulting—at all events, none which reached my ears. There were some expressions which were of a somewhat offensive character, no doubt, but not what would be called insulting.

SIR W. HART DYKE

I will withdraw the word then, Sir, and substitute the word you used from the Chair— "offensive."

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I confess I was somewhat surprised at the note which the right hon. Gentleman has sent me, wherein he talks about the confusion created by recent declarations of Ministers. There were two Ministers prepared to clear up that confusion, if it existed; they were prevented from doing so by the disgraceful scene which took place last night, and I did not notice that the right hon. Gentleman took any steps to prevent that disgraceful scene. I have, so far as I am concerned, no objection to giving time for the further discussion of the matter, interrupted in the manner which I have just described, provided that we have some undertaking that the debate shall take place under ordinary conditions of decency and fair play.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE (Carnarvon Boroughs)

Will the Prime Minister give that undertaking?