HC Deb 12 May 1927 vol 206 cc580-1
Mr. THURTLE

I desire, Mr. Speaker, to raise a point of Order, and perhaps you will tell me if this is not the time at which to raise it. It is with reference to the application of the Closure. I want to ask you whether it is in order for a Minister to approach the Chairman of Committees, or the Chair, as the case may be, to ask whether or not the Closure would be accepted in the event of its being asked for? May I submit to you, Sir, that it is interfering with the unfettered discretion of the Chair when such requests are made?

Mr. SPEAKER

As far as I myself am concerned, I very often intimate that I am not ready at any particular moment to entertain the question of the Closure.

Mr. THURTLE

My point is, is it right and proper for such approaches to be made to the Chair?

Mr. SPEAKER

Only last week an inquiry was made of me from the Labour Benches as to the time at which I should be prepared to accept the Closure.