HC Deb 22 July 1907 vol 178 cc1188-9
MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, seeing that on Thursday six hours and a half was devoted to the discussion on the Home Office Vote, that out of this time the Home Secretary and Under-Secretary occupied 113 minutes, and that one Member spoke for fifty-five minutes on the Edalji case, he will, in view of the fact that only three hours and forty-three minutes were available to Members to discuss industrial questions, give another day for the discussion of this Vote?

*MR. REES

Is it not the case that while the individual Edalji occupied fifty-five minutes, not one minute was Available for discussing the grievances of All the florists of London?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am not sure whether this is an accurate analysis of the way in which time was occupied by Members, but I may point out that in his opening speech, my right hon. friend the Home Secretary supplied a large quantity of information that would otherwise very naturally have formed a subject of inquiry by hon. Members, and, therefore, the necessity for some speeches, at any rate, was obviated. No more time can be afforded for the Vote.

MR. MARKHAM

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at least a dozen Members desired to take part in the de bate on this Vote in view of the multitude of industrial questions outside the London florists?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am sorry, but I cannot control the disposition of the time set apart for the discussion of Votes.