HC Deb 09 December 1920 vol 135 cc2410-1
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask you, Sir, a question concerning the future powers of the House? The terms of the mandate to be assumed by the British Empire under the terms of the Peace Treaties have to be submitted for approval to the Council of the League of Nations, and the Government have declared their intention of submitting the terms of the mandate to the Council of the League for approval, and then of laying them before Parliament, and I wish to ask you whether, when the terms of these mandates are laid before Parliament, you will admit hon. Members to attempt to move or to carry out amendments or extensions or alterations of any sort in the terms of the mandates if they have been once approved by the Council of the League of Nations?

Mr. SPEAKER

The question the hon. and gallant Gentleman puts to me is rather of a hypothetical character. I have not seen one of these mandates myself, and when they come here I do not know whether they will be laid before the House simply for its information, or whether the House will be asked to take some action upon them. All I should be justified in saying at present is that, so far as I can see, they would not be exempted business within Standing Order No. 1. Whether Amendments can be moved to them or not will depend upon what action the Government invites the House to take upon them.