§ 50. Mr. WISEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the additional evidence this present Session of the increasing difficulty of dealing with a large number of questions requiring parliamentary attention on account of the congestion of business under the present Standing Orders, he will be prepared to extend the terms of reference of the committee to be set up on the hours of sitting so as to enable it to consider the whole question of a revision of the Standing Orders so as to expedite business and give Members a greater control over legislation and administration?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that it is not possible to extend the terms of reference which were really fixed by the House itself.
§ Mr. WISEIs the Prime Minister not aware that many speakers in the discussion deplored the fact that the Motion was so drawn that it was impossible to debate the wider question and urge the necessity of considering the hours of sitting in relation to the general conduct of business here and upstairs?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is so, but the Resolution passed by the House is being carried out.
§ Mr. WISEIs it not within the power of the Prime Minister to suggest to the House terms of reference which would meet the wider need and desire?
§ Mr. HARDIEIn view of the congested state of business in this House at all times, and especially just now, is it not possible for the Prime Minister to get some working agreement whereby the business shall be spread so as to facilitate matters, so far as time is concerned?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI shall be pleased to co-operate with anyone to facilitate that end.