HC Deb 13 February 1911 vol 21 cc698-9
Captain CRAIG

I wish to ask leave of the House to move the Adjournment to call attention to a matter of urgent public importance, namely, the action of His Majesty's Government in retaining the services of the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in Ireland in contravention of the Resolution standing in the Journals of this House declaring the office a Ministerial and Parliamentary one, and the statement made by the Chief Secretary in 1907 that the Government had definitely determined and decided that the office should be held by a member of the House of Commons, and to move that in the opinion of this House the resignation of the present holder of the office should be accepted.

Mr. SPEAKER

The Motion mentioned in the latter part of the hon. Member's statement can be discussed at the proper time for discussing it, but with regard to moving the Adjournment of the House owing to the absence of Mr. Russell from the House I could hardly say that, as that absence has now lasted for more than a year, it was a matter of urgent public importance. There have been many opportunities for discussing the matter, and no doubt there will be many more occasions on which the matter will be open for discussion, and it would be a very unusual thing, under these circumstances, to treat it as a matter of urgency when the Address is still open.

Captain CRAIG

If I may respectfully say so, my regret is equally shared that Mr. Russell is not a Member of this House, but the point is that the Government have not got any Member sitting on those benches who should answer our questions as Vice-President of the Department, in spite of the resolution of this House.

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Russell's absence has lasted now for more than a year. It is not a matter of urgent public importance. The rule was intended to apply to matters of extreme urgency, on which there is no other opportunity of discussion, and it is in that spirit that I have endeavoured to administer the rule.

Lord HUGH CECIL

If my hon. Friend (Captain Craig) put down notice of an Amendment of the Address would it be within the rights of the minority of this House that that Amendment should be discussed?

Mr. SPEAKER

That depends on the length of time occupied by those who are fortunate enough to meet my eye.