§ 57. Mr. LEIF JONESasked whether the Prime Minister is aware that certain Members of the House of Commons believe that the result of carrying an Amendment to the Franchise and Registration Bill enfranchising women would be the resignation of the Prime Minister and the break up of the Ministry; whether this is contrary to his own declarations upon this subject; and whether he adheres to his statement that the Government as a whole will accept and carry out the decision of the House upon this question, so that Members may cast a free and unfettered vote solely on the merits of Woman Suffrage?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware that any such belief exists among Members of the House of Commons or of any ground upon which it is supposed to rest. My public declarations on the subject are on record, and are perfectly plain and explicit.
§ Mr. CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to assent to a policy which he has described as a "national disaster"?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the hon. Member misquotes me he must put the question down.
§ Mr. ARNOLD WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman state when the Committee stage of the Franchise Bill will be taken?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt will be taken after Christmas.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the letter written by the hen. Member for West Donegal in which the rumour appears?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to add to the answer I have given.