41. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the disadvantage to considered legislation and possible friction caused by requiring the revising Chamber to deal with a mass of legislation during the closing days before the Adjournment of Parliament; and whether the Government have considered the possibility of adjourning Parliament when the business before the House is concluded, and asking the revising Chamber to resume a fortnight before this House, when any measures sent up before the Adjournment and not considered could be adequately discussed?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid that my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is impracticable.
50. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether the convenience of Members of either House of Parliament and better legislation would be secured if Parliament rose in July and resumed for a longer period in the autumn and winter than is now the custom; whether he is aware of the demand by a large section of the community, caused by the recent growth of and assumption of power by the bureaucracy in Government Departments, that too long a period should not elapse between the adjournments of Parliament; and will the Government take steps to carry out the reform mentioned?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not agree with my hon. Friend that it would be an advantage for Parliament to sit for a longer period than is now the custom.
Colonel NEWMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in another place a Resolution was passed to this very effect against the Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat may be, but it does not alter my attitude.
§ Mr. BILLINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree with that part of the question which suggests that the Government has become a bureaucratic one?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNaturally not.