HC Deb 08 December 1908 vol 198 cc240-1
MR. R. HARCOURT (Montrose Burghs)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works on what principle a room in the House is allotted to the Chairman of the Welsh Liberal Members and not to the Chairman of the Scottish Liberal Members.

* MR. D. A. THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)

Before the Question is answered, may I ask whether the room is not allotted on the ground that the Chairman of the Welsh Liberal Members is the Leader of a separate or independent Party, and whether this amusing pretence has not for long been the laughing stock of the Lobby?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. L. HARCOURT,) Lancashire, Rossendale

I do not know on what, if any, "principle" my predecessors acted when they made the allotment.

MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)

Will the right hon. Gentleman state how long this practice has been in operation, and can he now deprive the Welsh Chairman of his room?

MR. L. HARCOURT

I do not know how long the practice has been in operation.

MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)

May I ask on what principle the right hon. Gentleman continues this allotment?

MR. L. HARCOURT

On the general principle of continuity of policy.

MR. GULLAND (Dumfries Burghs)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he will set aside a room in the House for the Chairman of the Scottish Liberal Members as he has done for the Chairman of the Liberal-Unionist and Welsh Liberal Members.

MR. L. HARCOURT

I regret that there is no room available for this purpose.

MR. R. HARCOURT

May I ask my right hon. friend whether he is unable to find room for my right hon. friend the Member for Clackmannan, on account of his nationality or his cubic contents?

MR. L. HARCOURT

If at any future time I am able to secure accommodation that is sufficiently spacious and dignified for the present, or future, holder of the office I shall be glad to do so, but at present I have not even a cupboard available.

MR. R. HARCOURT

May I ask my right hon. friend whether he has not been influenced in his preferential treatment of the Celtic fringe by his hereditary Parliamentary connection with Wales.

MR. L. HARCOURT

Perhaps I had better have family notice of any further Questions.