HC Deb 27 July 1925 vol 187 cc39-41
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I should like to ask a question, Mr. Speaker, in connection with the procedure of Standing Committees upstairs. Today a Bill called the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887–1911 (Amendment) Bill—a private Member's Bill, and I do not think of very grave national importance—is being taken in Standing Committee "B" at 4.15. There is a very important Supply Committee to-day when important matters are to be discussed. I think it is usual and for the convenience of Members that there should be none of these Committees in the afternoon, except in a very real case of emergency. This Committee has not yet sat at all; therefore, there has been no opportunity for members of the Committee to be consulted as to when it would be convenient for the Committee to sit. I do not know who fixes the times of these Committees, but I have here only the ordinary notice sent out to right hon. Gentlemen. I should, therefore, like to ask your guidance on this matter.

Mr. SPEAKER

The meeting of Standing Committees is not in any way under my control. The hon. and gallant Member had better put a question to the Chairman who is designated to take that particular Committee. It is for him to arrange the time at which it is to meet.

Mr. MacDONALD

Is there any way by which we can approach the Chairman of a Committee on a matter of this kind? I have also received some complaints about this Committee Supposing the meeting of the Committee were fixed for 12 o'clock to-might, would it be quite impossible for us to approach the Chairman, in some way or other, to ask him to be a little more reasonable?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter on which representations should be made to the Chairman of the Committee. My recollection is that the first proposal was that this Committee should sit last Friday. Some Members came to me, thinking that I had something to do with it. I referred them to the Chairman of the Committee, and I suppose it was at their request, and to meet their views, that be changed the time. I can do nothing in the matter at all. Hon. Members must address themselves to the Chairman.

Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHY

May I say, in order to make my own position clear, that I have not been consulted in any way I My constituency is interested in the subject. We have a very important Debate this afternoon on Colonial Office affairs, and it is rather awkward.

Mr. SPEAKER

When I say some Members of the House I do not always mean the hon. and gallant Member.