HC Deb 04 May 1922 vol 153 c1552
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. Is there any way of compelling the attendance of Ministers to answer their questions. The whole of this week the Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Churchill) has been away at Question Time, and yet he makes speeches in London. Is it possible to compel his attendance here?

Mr. SPEAKER

As the House is aware, the Secretary of State for the Colonies met with a serious accident.

Captain W. BENN

Are you aware, Mr. Speaker, that the Secretary for the Colonies is making public declarations from day to day, or did so yesterday? Therefore, cannot he be here to answer his own questions?

Mr. SPEAKER

I have not found the Minister backward in meeting his critics.

Sir H. GREENWOOD

May I say that my right hon. Friend the Secretary for the Colonies has been very seriously ill, but, in agreement with his officials, he settles nearly all the answers that I have the honour to give the House in his name.

Mr. N. MACLEAN

Is the absence of the Secretary for the Colonies not due to the fact that he would lose his insurance money if he came to the House?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

My right hon. Friend's absence is entirely due to a very serious accident, and it is with the greatest reluctance that he is not in the House.

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