HC Deb 07 November 1921 vol 148 cc176-8

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the employment in the Civil Service of men who, in the exercise of the right granted to them by the Military Service Acts, were granted exemption from the combatant service on conscientious grounds; and to report what action, if any, is desirable in respect of these men."—[Colonel Gibbs.]

Mr. HOGGE

If this Committee is agreed to, can my hon. and gallant Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Colonel L. Wilson) say whether it will meet after the Prorogation, and if it will report in the next Session of Parliament, or what scheme he has in his head with regard to it?

Colonel LESLIE WILSON (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)

I have not considered that question. Obviously the Committee will have to be appointed again in the next Session of Parliament. It cannot be carried on after the Prorogation.

Mr. HOGGE

Perhaps Mr. Speaker can assist us. I would ask you, Sir, if it be not possible to give permission for a Committee of this kind to sit while Parliament is not in Session? If not, it seems rather useless to set up a Committee for a couple of days. It is rather obvious, if permission cannot be given for it to sit during the Recess, that the best plan would be to leave the appointment over until the beginning; of next Session, instead of going through the formality of setting up a Committee which cannot possibly meet.

Mr. SPEAKER

It is quite clear that when the House has been prorogued the Committees of the House cease to function.

Mr. HOGGE

If that be so, may I appeal to the Government not to take this Motion? The House will prorogue on Thursday, and it is no use setting up a Committee that cannot meet.

Motion made, and Question, "That the Debate be now adjourned," put, and agreed to.—[Colonel Leslie Wilson.]

Debate to be resumed To-morrow.

The remaining Orders were read and postponed.

Whereupon, Mr. SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of 18th October, proposed the Question, "That this House do now adjourn."

Adjourned accordingly at Twenty Minutes before Ten o'clock.