HC Deb 28 November 1912 vol 44 c1480

The following notice of question stood in the name of Sir HENRY CRAIK (63) to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the amount for medical relief allotted to each locality will be based upon the, number of insured persons in that locality; and, if so, whether an additional amount will be allotted in the case of rural localities where the amount of travelling expenses involved in such medical relief must necessarily exceed that which will be incurred in urban districts?

Sir HENRY CRAIK

I was asked only two minutes ago to postpone this question owing to the, absence of the Minister who should reply, and I desire to ask whether it is not the proper course for a Minister who cannot be present to give timely notice so as to convenience hon. Members, or as is frequently done depute the answering of the question to one of his colleagues.

Mr. SPEAKER

It is very desirable that as long notice as possible should be given to hon. Members, asking them to postpone the question, but I do not know what the reason is in this case.

Sir H. CRAIK

Does it not give rise to the suspicion that the right hon. Gentleman not answering the question is not due to inability to be present, but his absence is owing to his being unable to answer the question?

Mr. SPEAKER

The suspicion raised in my mind is that he has need of medical relief.

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that my hon. Friend will regret having made that statement, as the absence of my right hon. Friend is owing to domestic circumstances.