45. Colonel THORNEasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a good number of the late trains have been cut off, and, in consequence, whether he can see his way clear to alter the Eleven o'Clock Rule to Ten o'Clock, with a view to meeting the convenience of a large number of the Members of the House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I said, in answer to a previous question, I hardly think that there would be any general desire in the House to make the proposed change.
Colonel THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Board of Trade is advising people to cut down gas and electric light, and would not this be a means of cutting down the supply of this House? Should not we set an example to other people?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOf course, in a matter of this kind, the Government would desire, as far as it could, to meet the wishes of the House, but we have to get through business. I have made inquiries of the President of the Board of Trade, and he tells me there has been no diminution of the means of locomotion around London which would necessitate such n change.
§ Admiral of the Fleet Sir H. MEUXCould we not make a Rule during the War that speeches should be shorter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think it would be a good thing if there was such a Rule, but I should hardly like to suggest it.
Colonel THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consult all Members of the House as to whether we should or should not cut down the hour at night?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot say more than I have said. We certainly desire to meet the wishes of the House, but I think 674 the additional hour would be required for business. To meet earlier would obviously have many disadvantages. It would be very disadvantageous to members of the Government to have an hour less in the morning for their business, and I think it would be disadvantageous to Members of the House.