HC Deb 19 June 1911 vol 27 c22
Mr. MARTIN

asked the Prime Minister if he will give a day for the purpose of discussing the constitutionality of the arrangement made between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Leader of the Opposition, under which proposed Amendments to the National Insurance Bill are to be censored by a small committee appointed by the two Front Benches?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

No, Sir; I see no occasion for such a discussion.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Does the Prime Minister accept the suggestion in the question that any such arrangement was made?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir.

Mr. MARTIN

Was not the proposal made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer across the floor of this House to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, and accepted by him?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly not. No such suggestion was ever made. The hon. Member is perfectly wrong.

Mr. BOOTH

Is it not a fact that what really happened was that he offered to meet any group of Members in any part of the House, and discuss the matter with them?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Hear, hear.