HC Deb 22 October 1920 vol 133 cc1225-6
Sir D. MACLEAN

May I ask whether, in view of the general opinion, or at any rate, the opinion expressed by over a hundred Members in signing a request for a date, the Leader of the House will give an opportunity for 4th November to discuss the Orders in Council which are laid on the Table relative to the admission of women to the Civil Service? The House has a right to discuss those Orders so made after eleven o'clock at night, and, of course, no time rule applies to them; but does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in view of the very general interest felt in the matter, it would not be in accord with the feeling of the House to start such a Debate at such an hour, and is he not aware that I think all Members who are interested in it can give a substantial guarantee that no waste of time would be involved in such a Debate, and under all those circumstances will he not give an opportunity such as is so generally desired for a Debate at a reasonably early time?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

Of course the Rule in regard to giving time for discussion after eleven was made in order to prevent discussions of this kind, and obviously one does not want to make a precedent which would be adopted in other cases. I think, however, that this is one of the cases which fall in the category to which I referred when I claimed the whole of the time of the House for the Government. I think the interest taken in the House is sufficient to justify giving time before eleven, and I shall certainly do my best to arrange the matter.

Major HILLS

The right hon. Gentleman is aware that time is rather short, because the Orders were laid on the Table on the 3rd August last, and they had to lie for twenty-one days on which the House sits. I think 3rd November is the last day.

Mr. BONAR LAW

4th November.

Sir J. D. REES

Will it be competent on that occasion to discuss the position of the women police in London and elsewhere?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know, but I hope not.