HC Deb 01 December 1919 vol 122 cc27-9
53. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER - LAMPSON

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is the intention of the Government to renew the system of sending Estimates to Standing Committees which lapses at the end of the present Session?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not able to make any statement at present.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Have not these Committees on several occasions had to adjourn through the lack of a quorum?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, I know that has happened on some occasions.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Will the House have a full opportunity of discussing the question?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, I think it will be necessary to have a discussion on the matter; but I do not think it will be possible before the Recess.

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the present method of legislating upstairs shall not be continued until there has been a discussion in this House?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

54. Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether this House will be given an early opportunity of reviewing the whole of the new system of Standing Committees in the light of the experience of the last twelve months?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It will not, I think, be possible to find time for this discussion before the Recess.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of Members consider that this system requires overhauling?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, I am aware of that, and I am not surprised; but I do not see how it will be possible to discuss it before the Recess.

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake the present system shall not be continued next Session until the House has had an opportunity of discussing it?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Bad my hon. Friend followed the matter—

Sir F. HALL

I have.

Mr. BONAR LAW

—he would have been aware that the arrangement was made for only one year.

Mr. CLYNES

The right hon. Gentleman has indicated we may have a discussion on this question after the Recess, and in that event will he call for a report from the Chairmen of the respective Committees?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I will consider that. I cannot give a definite answer now.