HC Deb 23 June 1924 vol 175 cc30-1
52. Captain BENN

asked the Prime Minister how he proposes to redeem the pledge to lay before the House for decision the Preference proposals of the late Government for the taxation of various food products?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Government consider that they have fully redeemed their pledges in this regard by having granted two days last week for this discussion, on the completion of which the House by the vote that it gave expressed its opinion on these proposals.

Captain BENN

Is not the Prime Minister aware that he undertook to give the House an opportunity of voting upon these proposals? We have had no such opportunity, and, therefore, how is the pledge to be fulfilled?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the House did not take the opportunity to vote, I am not responsible for it. I gave two days for the discussion, and it was not in the Government's power to declare the Resolution.

Viscount CURZON

Is there anything to prevent the hon. and gallant Gentleman putting it down himself?

Captain BENN

I am not suggesting the fault is the Prime Minister's at all. I am asking him how it is to be remedied. Will he himself give an opportunity for a simple vote upon the Motion to be put down by another private Member in the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is quite obvious that if a Resolution is put by you, Sir, from the Chair, it is, if I may say so with respect, neither in your control nor mine whether that Resolution is going to be debated or simply voted upon.

Captain BENN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the necessary place in the Orders for such a Resolution at least to be voted upon? [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]

Mr. SPEAKER

If a Resolution is put down, and the hon. Member does not move it, no one can compel him to do so.

Captain BENN

You are well aware, Mr. Speaker, of the understanding that was arrived at in reference to these Resolutions. Is that understanding to be defeated because the Leader of the Opposition refuses to move the Motion which he put on the Paper?