HC Deb 13 August 1919 vol 119 cc1290-1
61. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether an opportunity can be given before the Recess to discuss whether the ancient constitutional practice of the Prime Minister, when a Member of the House of Commons, leading the House should be resumed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can add nothing to what was said by the Prime Minister on this subject on the 7th August.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Is not the Executive responsible to Parliament, and is it not extremely difficult to maintain Parliamentary control over the Executive when the head of the Executive so rarely comes to this House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That seems to me a very academic question. The House of Commons has complete control over the Executive, and it has control over the head of the Executive by declining to do something which he desires.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I shall raise this question when Parliament reassembles in the autumn.