§ The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. W. THORNE:
§ 2. To ask the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the necessity for the construction of a tunnel under the Thames between Gravesend and Tilbury; and whether, in view of the fact that the scheme would provide useful employment both upon the construction of the tunnel and upon the building of a length of new railway, he
2200§ will take whatever steps are necessary to get the scheme commenced?
Mr. THORNEI would like to have your guidance, Mr. Speaker, as to the reasons why Ministers are not prepared to answer questions on a Friday. No doubt you have noticed that there has been a large number of questions which could not be answered at Question Time, and Friday would be a good opportunity for answering them.
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt is a very old Parliamentary custom that Ministers are not expected to attend to answer questions on Friday. If they did, it would shorten the time we have for a Debate, and when we come to another part of the Session it would have a serious and detrimental effect on the time available for Private Members' Bills.
Mr. THORNEAre you aware, Mr. Speaker, that the Minister of Labour was here two mintues ago, and when I rose to put my question he walked out?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think that was a sign of wisdom.