HC Deb 11 July 1907 vol 178 cc61-2
SIR EDWARD SASSOON

I bog to ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider the expediency of affording the House an opportunity for a debate on the Report of the Select Committee on the Radiotelegraphic Convention.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I understand that the Report was only issued this morning, and I have therefore not yet been able to examine it. As the House had an opportunity of discussing this question which led to the appointment of a Select Committee, I think it unlikely that further time can be given.

SIR EDWARD SASSOON

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he was aware that the Report of the Select Committee was dissented from by a very substantial minority of the Committee, and whether that did not point to the expediency of affording the House an opportunity of expressing its opinion on the subject.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

also pointed out that some of the members who signed the majority Report differed from their colleagues on some particulars.

MR. GWYNN (Galway)

urged that there was a strong desire even on the part of the Committee for further discussion of this very complex subject.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

thought that, as the Government had met the desire of the House by appointing a Committee of inquiry, and as every opportunity had been afforded to the Committee for investigating the subject, they could not give any more Parliamentary time to it, considering the period of the Session and the pressure of business.