HC Deb 13 November 1919 vol 121 cc509-10
Mr. DOYLE

In view of the unnecessary waste of time that has been caused by members of the Opposition in unnecessary interruptions and in making speeches, and seeing that there are a great many important questions not reached, will you, Mr. Speaker, allow another quarter of an hour for questions?

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY (later)

May I have your ruling, Mr. Speaker, on my point of Order on Question 46 which you called upon me to ask? The Prime Minister stated it would be answered by the First Lord of the Admiralty. As it was not reached, may I have the answer now to the question you called upon me to put?

Mr. SPEAKER

I understand that the hon. and gallant Member complains that Question 46 was not answered. Is that the point?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

It was to be answered by the First Lord.

The PRIME MINISTER

I can clear that up. The hon. and gallant Member asked mo the question and I told him that the question would be answered by the First Lord of the Admiralty on Question 88. That is my recollection. Question 88 was not reached, but it will appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

The question is a printed question. It is very specific.

Mr. SPEAKER

Perhaps the best way would be for the hon. and gallant Member to put the question down for Monday.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

It is quite usual to answer two questions together, but the answer is given usually to the first question. This is not the only case in which a question has been deferred so that it shall not be answered. It is a very strong point of Order that we should not initiate a practice which enables Ministers to avoid being cross-examined in the House by their postponing a question till a time when the question is not likely to be reached.

Mr. SPEAKER

Then I will ask the hon. Member who put down Question 88 to be kind enough to defer it till Monday also. Then both questions can be put together.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is this to be a precedent for the future? It is a very important matter for private Members of the House. In view of the fact—[Interruption]—

Mr. SPEAKER

I have done my best to satisfy the hon. Member, and I think the solution I have suggested will meet the case.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Then it is not a precedent?