§ 53. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been given to the proceedings in this House on Friday last, when nearly five hours were occupied in discussing whether a Bill which had passed its Second Reading unopposed, and had passed the Committee stage in Grand Committee without serious opposition or important change, should be referred back to a Committee, or to a Grand Committee, or to a Select Committee, or should be proceeded with on Report stage; and whether he is prepared to bring forward such amendment of the Rules of the House as to prevent the recurrence of such events?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government have no direct responsibility for the proceedings on private Members' Fridays, and I should not be disposed to propose any change in the Rules affecting them unless it was supported by the general opinion of private Members.
§ Sir E. CORNWALLWill the Prime Minister consider the desirability of having some Member representing the Government present in charge of the House though it is a private Members' day?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThese two-days are set apart for private Members' business.