§ 49. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Prime Minister whether, for the purpose of meeting the convenience of Members and saving the time of the House, he is prepared to consider the suggestion of adopting the method pursued in another legislative chamber of accepting written speeches in lieu of the spoken word for subsequent publication in the OFFICIAL REPORT?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that my hon. Friend's proposal is practicable or would meet the general desire of the House.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it right that we should leave this bright idea to America alone, and is it not a fact that we have an excellent precedent in the arrangements that are made for Written Answers; and will the right hon. Gentleman, at any rate, consider it as far as those Members who have failed to catch the eye of Mr. Speaker are concerned?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf there be any general desire in the House, perhaps the hon. Member will communicate through the usual channels.
§ Mr. DUNCANWould it not then be possible for Members to hand in their speeches, and never attend the House at all?