HC Deb 25 February 1910 vol 14 cc477-8

Motion made and Question proposed, "That the proceedings for appointing the Committees of Supply and Ways and Means be not interrupted this day at Five or half-past Five of the clock, and may be begun at any hour though opposed."—[Mr. C. Hobhouse.]

Mr. GIBSON BOWLES

I do not rise to complain. I rise first of all to affirm the right of the House to debate this Motion, or amend it should it choose to do so, and to show it is not any sacramental term of the Standing Order which the House cannot debate or question. But I do not rise to debate it, I merely do so to ask what is the intention with regard to business this evening. Is it intended to carry the Debate on to any considerable extent after half-past five?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. C. Hobhouse)

No; it is only intended that this particular business shall not be prevented from going on if under the ordinary Rules of the House it would be prevented. The intention is not to prolong the discussion and the proceedings of the House for more than just the time it would be reasonable in order to get rid of this Motion.

Question put, and agreed to.