HC Deb 13 February 1913 vol 48 cc1223-4
Sir ALBERT SPICER

I desire to ask you, Mr. Speaker, a question in relation to the report presented on behalf of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, Limited, Agreement, as to what action you propose to take in the matter?

Mr. SPEAKER

I have read the Report presented by the hon. Member on behalf of the Committee, and it does not appear to me that I have to take any action—at least not to initiate any action. I shall act, of course, ministerially as Spokesman of the House if the House thinks fit at any future time to take any action. But I do not think it would be according to precedent or right for me to take any action on my own initiative, and I shall wait until I am instructed by a Resolution of the House. I do not know whether the Prime Minister wishes to make any statement in regard to the matter. I think the indication would come from him as to what action he thinks the House might properly take.

The PRIME MINISTER

Perhaps I may say that, like the majority of Members, I have only had time to give a very cursory perusal to the Report of the Committee cir- culated this morning. I understand that the Committee has adjourned for this Session. In the circumstances, and having regard to the stage of the Session we have reached, and of the importance, as all experience shows, of proceeding in matters of this kind only after full opportunity of consideration and deliberation, I am not prepared to assume the responsibility of advising the House to take any immediate action.

Captain MURRAY

May I ask whether the Prime Minister will consider the advisability of referring the report to the Committee of Privileges?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know why I should do that. It is not a question of privilege at all.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it necessary to take any further proceedings whatever relating to this case, in view of the fact that the gentleman has refused to substantiate the accusations he made?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think I could usefully add anything to what I have said.