HC Deb 12 July 1920 vol 131 cc1955-6
31. Sir JOHN BUTCHER

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that there has frequently been during this Session a difficulty or impossibility in forming a quorum in Grand Committees, resulting in great loss of time and inconvenience to Members; whether these evils could be remedied or diminished if Members, on their appointment to a Grand Committee, would inform the Committee of Selection whether they would be able to attend or not, so that substitutes might be found when necessary; and whether regulations can be made in this direction?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am quite aware c.f the difficulty to which my hon. and learned Friend calls attention, and it would be very desirable that the course suggested in the question should be taken by any Members who know that they cannot attend. It would, I fear, be very difficult to make regulations on the subject.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Is it not possible to alter the Standing Order so that Members may inform the Selection Committee, before they go on to a Committee, whether there is any possibility of their attending or not?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It would be rather difficult to have a rule of that kind.

Mr. MILLS

May I ask what steps will be taken as to Members appointed on Committees who deliberately wait outside to see if a quorum is established and, if it is, walk in to obstruct, and if a quorum is not formed, simply congratulate themselves?

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Is it not the fact that Members very frequently stay outside the House when a Count is called, including Members of the Government?

Mr. PALMER

Is it not the fact that Plumage Bill has been killed by these methods?

Colonel YATE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of not putting Members on more than one Committee at the same time, and is he aware that several cases have occurred where Members have been put on two or or three Committees all meeting at the same hour and when it is impossible for them to attend?

Mr. BILLING

May I ask why the Committees should be limited to those appointed, and why should not every Member have the right to attend?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That would not be very desirable. I understand that the Selection Committee do try to carry out the views suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. As regards the question of morals, I prefer not to express any opinion.