HC Deb 20 December 1927 vol 212 cc183-4

Return ordered, respecting application of Standing Order No.26 (Closure of Debate) during Session 1927, (1) in the House and in Committee of the Whole House, under the following heads:—

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Date when Closure moved, and by whom. Question before House or Committee when moved. whether in House or Committee. Whether assent given to Motion or withheld by Speaker or Chairman. Assent withheld because, in the opinion of the Chair, a decision would shortly be arrived at without that Motion. Result of Motion and, if a Division, Numbers for and against.

and (2) in the Standing Committees under the following heads:—

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Date when Closurse moved, and by whom. Question before Committee when moved. Whether assent given to Motion or withheld by Chairman. Assent withheld because, in the opinion of the Chair, a decision would shortly be arrived at without that Motion. Result of Motion, and, if a Division, Numbers for and against.
(in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, No.165, of Session 1926)".

—(The Chairman of Ways and Means).

mons, which is the master of all Departments, should show an example of economy in this direction.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I hope the House will not be swayed by this impassioned speech of the hon. Member and this new-found keenness for economy from the Conservative benches. The hon. Gentleman allows us to pass millions under the Guillotine at the end of every Session, but when the records of this House, which have been kept in continuity for centuries, come before Parliament he takes this as the occasion to protest. I hope that without notice this suddenly raised question will not be voted on in the House.

The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANS (Mr. James Hope)

All these returns were considered last year by the Committee on Government Publications, and they approved of them. I do not personally wish to press this matter to-day, but I would point out that it has gone on for many years, and the clerical officers of the House inform me that the records are really very useful. I have no wish to press the matter to-day if there be any objection taken.

Question put, and agreed to.

Return ordered accordingly.