HC Deb 19 November 1917 vol 99 cc855-6
56. Mr. PETO

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have decided to take any steps to introduce an alteration in the Standing Orders of the House during the currency of the present War to prevent questions being asked in the House which, in the opinion of a competent Government Department, are contrary to public interest, and to prohibit in such cases the printing in the Official Record of the Debates of the House of any question or speech which refers specifically to and repeats any such question?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend en 5th November.

Mr. PETO

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question is becoming more serious daily, and will le not consider whether the answer which was given nearly a month ago is appropriate to present conditions?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I quite recognise the importance of it, but it is not an easy question. We have certainly come to no decision as yet.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Question Time is the only opportunity which the country has of putting the Government on trial for half an hour?