HC Deb 25 May 1922 vol 154 cc1409-10
42. Mr. MARRIOTT

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the advisability of setting up a Committee to consider the financial procedure of the House; and, if so, what the terms of reference will be?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir: I have not discussed this subject with any of my colleagues except the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with whom I had some conversation before speaking on the occasion to which I think that my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. MARRIOTT

Is it in the recollection of my right hon. Friend that he was giving consideration to this question in February last, and has not the interval been sufficient to enable him to give some indication to the House of his intentions in the matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, I was giving attention to the question then, but the reception accorded to my suggestion did not encourage me to proceed, as it was plain that there was not that general agreement or desire to co-operate which would enable me to go further.