HC Deb 21 October 1912 vol 42 cc1700-1
52. Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to certain Motions of which notice has recently been given, and which may be supposed to be in the nature of blocking Motions; and whether he proposes to take any steps to put a stop to this practice?

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the notices placed on the Paper by myself and by the hon. Member for Huddersfield were intended to call attention to the blocking notices placed on the Paper by Members of the Opposition on certain other questions; and had for their object the bringing of the matter into ridicule and contempt?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have repeatedly stated that one of the conditions precedent to any action being taken was that it should command general assent from all quarters of the House. I regret that that condition is not as yet fulfilled.

Mr. PEEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these blocking notices has reference to the secret Land Inquiry, and would it not be rather dangerous for the Government to take off that block?

The PRIME MINISTER

I believe my tight hon. Friend is very anxious that the block should be removed. My answer had no relation to any specific question: it is a general question of policy.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Would it not be as well for the Government to appoint a small Select Committee to consider this question, which has been agitated for some years.

Mr. R. HARCOURT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the removal of the notice of the hon. Member for Hudders-field was the object with which I put down this question?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Was there not a Select Committee of this House which sat on this question under the presidency of the right hon. Gentleman himself? Did it not present a report recommending certain changes in the Standing Order? Were they not put down in the name of the Government several times, and will not the right hon. Gentleman now find time to proceed with the discussion of them?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Noble Lord is perfectly right. As far as my memory serves me that is what took place. I put them down in good faith, hoping they would secure general assent, but I found opposition gathering and accumulating in various quarters of the House, and was consequently unable to proceed with them. If I get any kind of assurance that they can be proceeded with in a reasonable time, I shall be happy to put them down again.

Sir J. D. REES

Will the right hon. Gentleman set an example by withdrawing his time-table regarding our discussions?

Viscount WOLMER

Will the right hon. Gentleman give facilities for a discussion on the administration of the National Insurance Act?

The PRIME MINISTER

That does not; arise out of the question.