§ 48. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to move for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the question of procedure; and, if so, when he will be in a position to make a statement on the subject?
§ 49. Mr. McELWEEasked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to announce the decision of the Government on the Report of the Select Committee on the hours of sittings of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government have had under consideration the report of the Select Committee on the Hours of Meeting and Rising of the House. It will be remembered that the Committee suggested that a general inquiry into the methods of procedure was desirable, and it has been decided to ask the House as soon as possible after the commencement of next Session to set up a Select Committee on procedure with wide terms of reference.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIn view of the importance which was given to this question when it was first raised and the support given by the Prime Minister and his colleagues, why not do so this Session instead of waiting for the next Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe considered that point and I am afraid we discovered after going into details that there would be very little time gained by that.
Miss LEEWill the Prime Minister not consider at least setting up such a Committee now, so that the House would be able to start the new Session in a business-like fashion, instead of beginning as at present?
§ Mr. WISEIs it not possible for such a Committee to it in the Recess, so that 1604 we may start next Session with the hope of not having the same misfortunes in regard to procedure as we have had this Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am always very glad to inform those who are anxious to reform procedure, so that they may master the existing procedure. It is not possible to do so.
§ Mr. WISEAm I to understand that it is beyond the powers or outside the desires of the Prime Minister to change the procedure?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is beyond the powers of the Prime Minister to have a Select Committee sitting during the Recess.