HC Deb 22 April 1926 vol 194 cc1376-7
46. Mr. PENNY

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a Committee to consider what changes, if any, can be made in the Rules of Procedure and the existing method of carrying on the necessary legislation so as to secure, if possible, similar or better results by shorter and more reasonable hours of sitting?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir; I am not prepared, at, this moment, to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. PENNY

Would it not be much better to have a specific cure rather than these palliatives, the effect of which is not of a lasting character—something on the lines of a group system?

Mr. WADDINGTON

Is the Prime Minister aware that the official estimate of the cost of the two all-night sittings is £406? Does he think it is worth it?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know about that. I do not know of any means whereby an occasional all-night sitting can be avoided.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

How is it that other countries can conduct their business without all-night sittings? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] For instance, Australia and our Colonies do not have all-night sittings.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

They do.