HC Deb 20 February 1917 vol 90 cc1159-60
47. Mr. PETO

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce proposals for legislation, at an early date, to carry into effect the recommendations at the Speaker's Conference with regard to electoral reform?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

It is clear that the House ought to have an early opportunity of deciding what action should be taken in connection with the Report of the Conference over which you, Sir, presided.

After endeavouring to ascertain by unofficial inquiries what course would be most acceptable to the House, the Government have coma to the conclusion that the best method of procedure would be that a Resolution, or Resolutions, embodying its decisions should be moved on behalf of the Conference.

If a Motion to this effect be placed upon the Order Paper, the Government will give an early opportunity for its discussion.

Mr. PETO

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he proposes that the Resolutions should be proposed on behalf of the Government as well as on behalf of the Conference, and by a member of the Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Obviously not. These Resolutions report the decision of the Conference. The first step to be taken—I have endeavoured to find out whether this is the view of the House—is that the House should have an opportunity of expressing its views upon this decision of the Conference.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is the Government in a position to give any guidance to the House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think that it will be time enough when the Resolution has been submitted to the House.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate that the Conference should meet again and draft a Resolution for submission to the House and should select one of its Members to move it?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I thought that it was not unreasonable to suppose that the Conference should take some such step in order to have the Resolutions put on the Order Paper as representing the views of the Conference.

Mr. LOUGH

If the House should carry the Resolution which my right hon. Friend has suggested, will the Government be prepared to bring in a Bill?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think it is obvious that there would be no object in having this Resolution if we were to decide in advance exactly what was to be done.