§ 56. Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that railway directors frequently speak and vote in this House on behalf of railway Bills in which they have a direct pecuniary interest; and whether he can see his way by suitable legislation to stop this practice?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt has always been the practice to leave this and kindred 1725 matters to the judgment of the individual Member. The difficulties of dealing with it in any other way have been often pointed out, and I do not see my way to promise legislation.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a paragraph in the Report of the Committee on personal interest to the effect suggested by the question was moved by the present Lord Chancellor and supported by the late Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord Courtney?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that that is so.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman grant the Return in the name of the hon. Member for East North Hants, which will give us some light on the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will consider it.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYIs it not very anomalous that a question should arise in the case of the hon. Member for Tower Hamlets, while the custom obtains in this House of railway directors getting up and not speaking on behalf of their constituents?