HC Deb 12 February 1924 vol 169 cc740-1
Mr. MOREL

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister on what days he himself personally will be available to reply to questions?

The PRIME MINISTER

The House will, I am sure, he prepared to extend to me a little indulgence while I feel it my duty to hold two offices. I shall be unable for the time being to be present in my place to answer questions or all days of the week. My present intention is to take questions addressed to me as Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on Monday and questions addressed to me as Prime Minister on Wednesday. On other days the Lord Privy Seal, as Deputy Leader of the House, will reply to questions addressed to the Prime Minister and the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs will deal with questions addressed to the Foreign Secretary. I hope that this arrangement will meet with the general approval of the House.

Mr. BALDWIN

May 1 suggest that it would be for the convenience of the House that the questions should be put down on the Order Paper in the same place as that in which they would appear if the right hon. Gentleman were here to answer them, and that it would be for the convenience of the House if the questions were kept in their regular place on the Order Paper, whether the right hon. Gentleman were present or not?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that that will be so. I am certain that it will be so should my right hon. Friend wish it and it is for the convenience of the House.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

May I suggest that. it would be for the convenience of the House and of the right hon. Gentleman himself if he could arrange with the authorities of the House that questions addressed to him as Foreign Secretary should either immediately precede or immediately follow those which are addressed to him as Prime Minister.

The PRIME MINISTER

I am much obliged to my right hon. Friend for his suggestion. That arrangement has already been made.