§ 57. Major LANE-FOXasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the small attendance at important Debates in the House resulting from the sitting of Grand Committees during the afternoon, he will again consider the suggestion made to the Government early this Session that on two or three days in the week the House should adjourn after questions during the period that Grand Committees are sitting?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir. I do not think that the experience we have had this Session would justify us in making the change suggested.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTMay I ask the Leader of the House whether the Government really expect Members of this House to be in two, if not three, places at once?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, we have not that expectation. This is hardly the time to argue the merits of the system; but I 566 would point out to the hon. Member that the work which is necessary to be done this Session could not possibly have been done by any of the ordinary methods. I have watched the proceedings of the Committees upstairs very carefully, and, on the whole, the success of this experiment has exceeded my anticipation.
§ Sir N. GRIFFITHSIs it only to be for this Session?
§ Mr. MacVEAGHHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to-the fact that one of these Select Committees, consisting entirely of English Members, adjourned to-day, refusing to go on with any business because the proceedings were not being reported?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, I am not aware of that.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIt is a fact!