§ MR. BOWLESMay I ask a Question of which I sent private notice to the Prime Minister, whether any further progress has been made with the negotiations with which the Government has undertaken to secure an amendment of the Standing Orders dealing with the practice of putting blocking Motions on the Paper?
§ MR. ASQUITH (for Sir H. CAMPBELL BANNERMAN)We have announced our willingness to move our Amendment to the Standing Orders as soon as we receive an assurance that it will be treated as non-controversial. We are awaiting that assurance from Members opposite. Perhaps the hon. Member will use his influence with his friends.
§ MR. BOWLESHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been directed to the fact that unless this Amendment is made it will be within the power of any Member of this House, by putting down a Bill with an adequate title, to prevent discussion, for instance, on the Motion of the hon. Member for Waterford on Home Rule.
§ MR. ASQUITHI am quite aware of the abuses which the present rule permits. I am entirely favourable to the change, but it can only be carried out with the general consent of the House.