HC Deb 30 May 1911 vol 26 cc896-7
Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the establishment of an Independent party in this House, he will consider the propriety of taking the necessary steps to bring the cross-benches within the technical precincts of the House, in order that the Members of such party may be relieved of the embarrassment of having ostensibly to associate themselves with other groups with whom they are not necessarily in sympathy?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

This does not appear to be a matter of any urgency.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that so recently as last night the Independent party led forty-eight stalwarts into the Lobby, and that at least ninety-six more would have gone if their political consciences had been their own?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the definition of an independent Member as a Member who can never be depended upon?

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed any indication of embarrassment up to now in the utterances of the Independent party in this House?