HC Deb 11 December 1919 vol 122 cc1618-9
59. Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMS

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider such an Amendment of the standing Orders of this House as will enable Mr. SPEAKER, on any day, except Friday, when, at 3.30 of the clock, more than thirty Questions remain upon the Paper unanswered, to select from among such questions those which, in his opinion, are of public importance or of general interest, and to call upon Members in whose names such questions stand to put them forthwith, instead of as at present merely putting until 3.45 such questions in their sequence on the Paper as time will permit, and leaving the remainder to be dealt with by written answer?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As my hon. Friend's suggestion would throw upon the shoulders of Mr. Speaker an invidious burden at very short notice, I do not think that it is practicable.

Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMS

In view of that answer, does the right hon. Gentleman not think he might appoint a Select Committee of two or three of the more experienced Members of the House to aid Mr. Speaker in his selection, and take the responsibility for the job?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, so far as I can personally judge, this Select Committee would not work. We, however, intend before the House resumes, to try and get some suggestions for dealing with questions, after—if Mr. Speaker will allow it —consultation with Mr. Speaker.

Lieut. - Colonel GUINNESS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position has become much easier lately Several times we have more than 100 questions answered. Is he further aware that any Member who takes the trouble to look on the list and put down his question to a particular Minister on the right day, invariably is able to get an answer?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I really think that is absolutely true. [Laughter] I apologise to my hon. and gallant Friend for my loose phraseology. Hon Members have the remedy in their own hands if they choose to exercise it.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Would it not be a good suggestion that no question referring to an individual case should be put on the Paper, seeing many questions are of that nature, and that the information asked for could be usually got at the Department?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That suggestion is continually being made. It has commended itself to the judgment of the House. Unfortunately, it does not commend itself to every individual Member.