HC Deb 05 August 1913 vol 56 c1260
46. Mr. GRANT

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of recommending that Ministers should circulate their statements before their Department is discussed in Supply, and confine their observations to a reply, and thus give opportunity to the private Member for criticism?

The PRIME MINISTER

I see no reason to depart from the normal practice of the House, but no doubt the Committee on Procedure will take the hon. Member's suggestion into consideration.

Sir W. BYLES

Is not the primary object of Debates in Supply to enable Members to bring up grievances against Departments? Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed how largely the limited time is monopolised by Ministers making optimistic statements about the virtues of their own Departments? Will he therefore be good enough to present this view to the Procedure Committee?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am quite sure that the Procedure Committee will consider what my hon. Friend says, but I do not think it is my business to bring it before them.