HC Deb 28 July 1909 vol 8 cc1163-4
Mr. JOWETT

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that six working women of the wage-earning class waited for several hours on Wednesday last on the pavement outside the House with the object of presenting a Petition to him in his capacity as First Minister of the Crown in favour of women being allowed to vote at Parliamentary elections; and whether he will consent now to receive such a deputation and allow them to present their Petition and state their case to him in an orderly fashion?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I am afraid I can do no more than refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave in reply to a similar question on Monday.

Mr. W. H. DICKINSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are large numbers of women in favour of the enfranchisement of women who during the recent agitation have refrained from all methods of forcible disturbance, but who desire to represent to him their wishes before the Government commences to formulate proposals for amending the law relating to the franchise, and whether he cannot hold out some hope to these ladies that he will see some of them in the course of the present year?

The PRIME MINISTER

I quite recognise that the ladies to whom the hon. Member refers stand in a very different position to those who seek to attain their end by annoyance and other ways, and I have communicated with them to the effect that if they have any new facts for consideration I am quite ready to consider whether the matter would be advanced by receiving them.