§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that, in three full Parliamentary days devoted to the Second Reading stage of the National Insurance. Bill, only thirty-three Members were able to take part in the Debate, and that the average duration of each speech made on that occasion was as nearly as possible three-quarters of an hour, and that almost 300 Members of the present House have intimated their desire to see the length of individual speech curtailed, he will, before adopting the strict form of Closure as a recognised method for expediting the progress of Government Bills, grant a day before the close of the Session and ascertain the opinion of nonofficial Members of this Parliament.
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)Personally, I am and have long been in favour of a curtailment of the length of speeches. I do not see my way in the present Sittings to give a day to the subject, but I shall be glad to receive and consider evidence of the general opinion of nonofficial Members.