HC Deb 14 April 1913 vol 51 c1621
50. Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the proposal of the Prime Minister of Canada to make a loan gift of three battleships to the Admiralty has become a matter of party controversy in the Dominion Parliament; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take the opinion of the Cabinet on the propriety of suggesting to the Canadian Government the undesirability of proceeding further with a proposal which has not the approval of both parties in the Dominion?

I beg to call your attention to the fact that parts of this question have been left out without any notification having been sent to me. Might I ask whether it is in Order to change a question or to leave out parts of a question without intimating the fact to the Member responsible for it?

Mr. SPEAKER

I have not the slightest idea to what the hon. Member refers.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Parts of the question have been left out, and I want to ask you, Sir, whether it is in order for a question to be changed without the fact being intimated to the hon. Member responsible for it?

Mr. SPEAKER

I will make inquiries. I have no knowledge of it, nor have the Clerks at the Table whom I have just consulted.

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir, I do not think that it would be proper for His Majesty's Government to interfere in a matter which is entirely one for consideration and decision by the Canadian Government and Parliament.