HC Deb 16 November 1911 vol 31 cc511-3
Sir GODFREY BARING

asked the Prime Minister when the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs will be in a position to make his promised statement: and whether he can give the House an assurance that an opportunity will be afforded for an adequate Debate upon that statement?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I hope to give a definite reply on Monday.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

When this Debate comes on, will there be any opportunity for private Members to express their opinions, seeing that Debates on Foreign Affairs are usually mutual admiration exchanges between the two Front Benches?

The PRIME MINISTER

From my long experience of the hon. Member's intervention in Debate, I certainly do not think it comes under the category of mutual admiration.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of suspending the Eleven o'clock rule?

The PRIME MINISTER

I believe that rule is suspended.

Sir WILLAM BYLES

In what form will the question come before the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

It depends on the Motions of which hon. Members give notice.

Lord BALCARRES

Are Motions to be set down by hon. Members? Will that not preclude the Foreign Secretary from making his statement at the beginning of the Debate, which I am sure we all desire?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am sure it would be for the general convenience of the House for the Foreign Secretary to make his statement on the whole question before we come to details.

Mr. D. MASON

In view of the multiplicity of subjects connected with foreign affairs will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of giving more than one day to the Debate?

Mr. DILLON

Will it not be necessary to have some question before the House? Are we to understand that private Members who desire to raise a particular question must hand in notice of Motion?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think it is desirable that they should give some kind of notice—not necessarily in the form of a notice of Motion—of their intention to raise particular topics. The Government are most anxious that the opportunities of debate shall be as unrestricted as possible.

Mr. DILLON

How can the Foreign Secretary make a statement if there is no question before the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

I really do not know. It is an extremely difficult point. I will consider what is the course most suited to the general convenience of the House.

Sir HENRY DALZIEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the desirability of taking the Debate on the Motion that the House do now adjourn? Such a Motion would give the widest possibilities, and by arrangement the Motion could be withdrawn.

Mr. DILLON

But if that Motion is put down any other subject could be intruded.

The PRIME MINISTER

I think my hon. Friend is right. But the Government is most anxious to meet the general convenience of the House, and we want the Debate to be the most unrestricted.

Lord BALCARRES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of, by a general agreement on all sides of the House, a Supplementary Vote being put down, there being, of course, an understanding that the reopening of Supply should not be made the subject of Debate?

The PRIME MINISTER

That would involve setting up Supply again. I appeal to hon. Members not to further press this matter. The Government will consider what is the best course to adopt.