HC Deb 06 May 1907 vol 173 cc1362-3
MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government have made any progress with the new Standing Order against blocking Bills and Motions; and when it is intended to introduce this Order.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The new Order is in course of preparation and will shortly be submitted to the Opposition Whips with the idea of securing unanimous assent. It will thon be placed upon the paper.

LORD R. CECIL

When will it be submitted?

SIR H. CAMPBELL BANNERMAN

Really, I cannot say from day to day what the Cabinet will do. We are losing no time in the matter. This is about the fifth or sixth question I have been asked to answer. I think we might be allowed to proceed with deliberation and care in regard to this matter.

LORD R. CECIL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has in his mind the fact that this question was I raised before the Easter holidays and that the excuse given immediately after the Easter holidays was that the Government had been away on their holidays?

SIR H CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

This is not the only thing that has engaged our attention.