HC Deb 19 February 1924 vol 169 cc1539-40
Mr. LINFIELD

(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a definite announcement regarding the future of the German reparation 26 per cent. levy which now has to be met by the British taxpayer; and if not, at what date he hopes to intimate the decision of His Majesty's Government, having regard to the fact that correspondence respecting the deadlock has now been passing between the two Governments for a period of nearly four months, during which time very great inconvenience and damage has accrued to British traders?

Mr. HOGGE

On a point of Order Will you, Sir, tell us what is the urgency of this question? I myself have handed in at the Table a somewhat similar question and it has been accepted as an ordinary question. How can this matter be urgent when Scottish questions are waiting to be answered?

Mr. SPEAKER

I had not observed that the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Hogge) had put a question on the Paper on the subject, and I am obliged to him for calling my attention to the fact. If that be the case, I cannot accept this private notice question.

Mr. LINFIELD

On a point of Order—

Mr. SPEAKER

The matter is not one for a point, of Order. If there be a question on the paper, it ought not to be anticipated. That is the rule.

Mr. HOGGE

I should explain, Mr. Speaker, that my question is not on the paper, but I handed it in at the Table. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh!"] Yes, and having handed it in at the Table, in that sense it has been handed in If a question be accepted in the ordinary way by the Clerks at the Table, there cannot be —and everybody knows it—any urgency in the matter.

Mr. LINFIELD

May I submit that the question of urgency arises from the fact that traders are being charged from day to day with German reparations duty?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member admits that this is a subject which has been going on for a long time. Therefore it is not urgent.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On that point of Order—

Mr. SPEAKER

I am not prepared to debate every ruling that I give.