HC Deb 13 April 1918 vol 104 cc2008-9
1. Sir JAMES BOYTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if a soldier discharged from the Army and in receipt of a pension for wounds received in the present War responds to the call of the country's need and offers himself for service, will he, if accepted, be allowed to receive his pension as well as his pay?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)

The answer to the question is in the affirmative.

[Two other questions on the Paper were not answered.]

Mr. T. M. HEALY

On a point of Order, Sir. This is the second occasion on which Ministers have not attended to answer questions, and may I ask whether it is not possible to procure their attendance for that purpose, when Members take the trouble to be present?

Mr. SPEAKER

This is the second occasion on which we have had a Friday sitting, or a sitting under the rules applicable to Friday sittings, and Ministers are not called upon to be present to answer questions unless, by arrangement, they attend to answer them.

Mr. SMALLWOOD

Under Standing Order 159 a method of procedure is laid down in respect of bringing before the House any matter of urgent public importance. I desire to ask whether on this occasion I can do that?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not apply to Friday sittings or to a sitting held as a Friday sitting. The hon. Member means, I think, with regard to a Motion for the Adjournment. That only applies to Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Mr. SMALLWOOD

One part of the Standing Order refers to the fact that on Fridays a certain mode of procedure may be taken, and on Saturdays, at the conclusion of questions.

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member will look at Standing Order No. 10 he will see that the procedure as to a Motion for the Adjournment of the House applies only to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The Standing Order only relates to those days.

Sir RICHARD COOPER

Shall I be out of order if I ask a question of which I have given Private Notice to-day?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Leader of the House is not here, and that is why I did not call upon the hon. Member.

Sir R. COOPER

May I give notice for Monday?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must put the question down.

Back to