HC Deb 13 November 1917 vol 99 cc224-5
Mr. ASQUITH

I desire to ask my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Prime Minister is likely to be here in his place to-morrow, and, if so, whether I might ask him a question as to when he will be prepared to make a statement to the House with regard to the very serious matters touched upon in his speech in Paris?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Prime Minister has just returned—I saw him for a minute or two to-day—and I am quite certain that he will at once respond to my right hon. Friend's request.

Mr. JOYCE

Will he deal with the "Globe" newspaper, and the attacks made upon him in that newspaper?

Mr. KING

Will the Prime Minister to-morrow move the Adjournment of the House so as to give the House an opportunity of discussing what he has said?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I wish to quite understand what my right hon. Friend does want. I understand that he does not wish a discussion to-morrow, but to ask when the Prime Minister will be prepared to have a discussion.

Mr. ASQUITH

Yes—at any rate to make a statement.

Mr. BONAR LAW

But you do not want it to-morrow?

Mr. ASQUITH

If he can make a statement to-morrow, so much the better. I leave it entirely to him—"When he will be prepared to make a statement and to give the House facilities for discussing it?"

Mr. KING

Is the Leader of the House not aware, although the Front Bench may not require a discussion, that the House will not be satisfied unless there is an opportunity given for debating the most grave statements made by the Prime Minister?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. Member did not listen to what was said.