HC Deb 21 July 1910 vol 19 cc1438-9
Mr. J. G. BUTCHER

asked whether his attention has been called to a speech delivered by the Secretary to the Admiralty at Lydney on the 16th instant, in which he is reported to have declared that, subject to a reduction in the maximum duration of Parliament, the will of the people as expressed at the polls must within the life of a single Parliament prevail, and that Radical leaders could not possibly abandon or even abate this claim; and whether such speech was made with the sanction and approval of His Majesty's Government and expresses the settled policy of the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

My attention has not been called otherwise than by the hon. Member's question to the speech of my hon. Friend, and I am not aware in what context the statements attributed to him were made. In existing circumstances I do not think that I ought to say more in regard to the last part of the hon. Member's question than refer him to what I said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy Burghs on 20th June.

Mr. J. G. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct his subordinates not to make any more indiscreet speeches pending the sittings of the Conference?