§ Mr. WILLIAM PEELasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent complaints of private Members of their lack of opportunity to take part in Debate, and having regard to the special privileges enjoyed by the Members of both front Benches and of the leaders of parties and sections, and to the curtailment under recent Standing Orders of hours of sittings, he will give special facilities for the passage of a Bill to place a limit on the length of speeches?
§ Mr. MacVEAGHMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, before he answers, whether he is aware of the fact that all the trouble referred to in this question is due to the pronounced and growing tendency on the part of the two Front Benches to monopolise the time of the House, and whether he can suggest any method by which this House might restrain the loquacity of these great, wise, and eminent people?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, my diagnosis of the case does not at all compare with that of the hon. Gentleman. In answer to the question on the Paper I am in complete sympathy with those who hold that a curtailment of the average length of speeches is very desirable in the interest not only of private Members, but of public business. I am disposed to think that reform is more likely to be attained by the pressure of Parliamentary opinion, than by attempts at legislation, which have always failed in the past, and for the renewal of which the present Session will not afford adequate time.
§ Mr. PEELMay I ask, arising out of that, if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that in local bodies this rule does apply, and works exceedingly well, and that brevity is probably quite as useful in the House of Commons as in local bodies.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThose are all very material considerations.