§ Mr. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that no party issue is involved in the Declaration of London, His Majesty's Government will allow the question of appointing a commission of experts to examine into and report upon the subject to be decided by a vote of the House of Commons as a non-party question, and will not allow the ordinary party machinery to be used to influence such decision?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I must refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Holborn Division on Tuesday last. To that statement I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. BUTCHERIn view of the fact that all that is asked for in the notice of Motion which stands in my name is that we should postpone our decision until fuller and clearer information has been obtained will the right hon. Gentleman dispense with the services of the party Whips on that occasion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; His Majesty's Government take full responsibility for this Declaration, and we shall ask for the assent of Parliament to it.
§ Mr. BUTCHERCan the Government not trust their followers?