Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that a column of "The Times" can be spoken in less than fifteen minutes, and the desire of many hon. Members to take part in the Debate, he would give his consideration to the proposal that hon. Members, other than Members of the Government or Front Opposition Bench and leaders of the Irish and Labour parties, desiring to speak should, at the time of handing in their names, state for how many minutes they desire to speak, to which time they would be strictly limited?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)This is, I think, a novel proposal, and I should like, before further considering it, to have evidence that it meets with something like general support.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in considering this matter, he will bear in mind that a good many people think it would be, the most convenient and fairest course to 366 take a ballot for opportunities to speak in the same way as seats are balloted for' in the Ladies' Gallery?