HC Deb 20 November 1919 vol 121 cc1116-7
30. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that he is only able to answer questions on Thursdays, he will arrange on that day that his questions begin at No. 1?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that the present arrangement will meet the general wishes of the House.

52. Major O'NEILL

asked the Prime Minister for how long it was proposed to continue the arrangement whereby the first question on Thursdays answered by him was No. 25?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is proposed to continue this arrangement as long as it meets the general convenience of the House.

Major O'NEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Thursday is the only day in the week upon which it is possible to get answers from the Chief Secre- tary for Ireland, and that this arrangement means that some of the most important questions cannot be answered verbally?

Mr. E. WOOD

May I ask whether, in view of the great strain it must be on him to answer fifty-six questions in one day, he would not consider the possibility of coining to the House a second day?

Captain REDMOND

May I ask whether, in view of the great strain which is laid upon the right hon. Gentleman in coming to the House one day a week, it might be possible for him to pass on a few of these questions to the heads of the various Departments on the Front Bench, and also to answer about six questions together?

The PRIME MINISTER

There is nothing that would please me better than to pass on all my questions to my right hon. and hon. Friends. I can quite see the inconvenience of this arrangement. I will see whether arrangements can be made whereby the many Irish questions could be put in front of mine.

At the end of Questions, the right hon. Gentleman said: I do not know whether I can appeal to hon. Members to give a little longer notice of questions which they address to me, especially those dealing with foreign policy. They involve a good deal of consultation, not merely with one Department but often with three or four Departments. They are very delicate and very difficult questions, and, of course, every question of this kind has its bearing upon other nations as well. They take a good deal of time, and I shall be very grateful to hon. Members if they will put their questions as early as possible, so as to give me time for consultation with the Departments.