HC Deb 15 March 1922 vol 151 cc2205-8
Sir D. MACLEAN

I wish to ask the Leader of the House what his intentions are with regard to the Motion standing in his name to suspend the Eleven O'clock Rule for two matters, and how far does he intend to go? Does he intend to take Vote A to-night, or what does he really mean to do?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I had hoped that the whole of to-day would have been available for making progress with the Army Estimates, but I suppose there is going to be a Motion for the Adjournment of the House, and obviously we cannot get very far to-night. 'We ought to get Mr. Speaker out of the Chair. I do not propose to proceed with any other business after eleven o'clock except to get Mr. Speaker out of the Chair, and I will give another day for Vote A and Vote 1. If we get Mr. Speaker out of the Chair before 8.15 we shall proceed with Vote A.

Commander BELLAIRS

I wish to ask a question in reference to the course of the Debate in the event of the Motion for the Adjournment being carried. It will be remembered that the Debate was postponed from Monday until Wednesday in order that we might hear what was put forward by Lord Curzon in the House of Lords. It is the regular salutary rule that we may not refer to what took place in another place. I wish to ask whether we shall be allowed to quote on this occasion without abrogating that rule?

Mr. SPEAKER

The salutary rule is that speeches delivered in one House of Parliament should not be replied to in the other House, and that is a good rule for obvious reasons. I think, however, that that has never been taken so strictly as to mean that reference cannot be made to statements of Ministers in another House. If I were to hold that, it would make discussion impossible on the matter with which we have to deal. That is the way in which I shall apply the rule.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

With reference to the Debate this afternoon, in view of the fact that it is going to be curtailed by a Motion for the Adjournment, would it not be possible to have a general discussion on the whole question of the army on Vote A as has frequently been done?

Mr. SPEAKER

Yes, it does not require my permission, nor, indeed, the permission of the Chairman. A discussion on Vote A is always of the fullest possible character, and any matter referring to the Army is in order. If anything, it is wider than the opportunity on the motion to get the Speaker out of the Chair.

Ordered, That the Proceedings on the Motion, That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair (for Committee of Supply), and the Proceedings of the Committee of Supply be exempted at this day's Sitting from the provisions of the Standing Order (Sittings of the House)." —[Mr. Chamberlain.]