HC Deb 06 March 1919 vol 113 cc604-5
49. Major NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the six members appointed by the Government to serve on the Coal Commission consist of a member of the Committee on War Munitions, a Director-General of aircraft production, a member of Shipping Control Committee, two teachers of Socialism, and an unsuccessful candidate of the Independent Labour party at the recent General Election; and will he say which of these members represents the interests of private consumers of coal, who are feeling severely the effects of shortage and high prices?

Sir R. HORNE

Consistently with the necessity of keeping the numbers of the Commission within reasonable limits, the members of the Commission have been selected so as to represent varying interests, and I feel sure that the personnel of the Commission is such as to ensure that all interests, including those of private consumers of coal, will receive due consideration from the Commission in framing their reports.

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. GEORGE TERRELL.

53. To ask the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to an article in the "Herald" of the 1st March by Sir Leo Chiozza Money; and whether, having regard to the article, Sir Leo Chiozza Money is a fit and proper person to serve on the newly-appointed Commission?

Mr. TERRELL

On a point of Order. I desire to ask why this question has been most materially altered from the form in which it was handed in? The form in which it was handed in was—

Mr. SPEAKER

Because it contained insinuations and expressions which, I thought, were offensive. I hope that the hon. Member will not read it.

Mr. TERRELL

This question was drafted by myself with full knowledge and responsibility, and was also submitted to other Members, of the House who are also responsible Members, and who considered that it was a proper question.

Mr. SPEAKER

Unfortunately, the final responsibility rests with me.

Mr. TERRELL

In view of the fact that the alteration of the question has made it absolutely unintelligible, I do not propose to put it.