Major C. LOWTHERI beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a 1101 definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the failure of the Government to give information to the House as to the duties of a Minister who is now receiving a salary which is to be provided out of public moneys."
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis Motion fails on two grounds. The first is that it can hardly be urgent as it has been the subject of criticism for some time. But the major ground is that two days hence an opportunity will be afforded on which the whole matter can be debated. I cannot allow Standing Order No. 10 to be made use of when there is a reasonably early opportunity for debating the subject.
Major LOWTHERI quite accept your ruling, but we are here a very small minority in the House, and we look to you for protection and have always received great protection. I addressed a question to a Minister to-day, and although naturally I could not expect to get an answer that was satisfactory, he was perhaps not extending the usual courtesy in refusing to give any answer at all.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have dealt with the question.