HC Deb 17 March 1930 vol 236 cc1713-4
31. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a schedule of the counter claims of the Soviet Government has yet been received; and whether he can state the total amount?

Mr. HENDERSON

May I point out that this question was called earlier and the hon. Member then refused to put it.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

When this question was called, I asked that it might be passed over for the moment, and I asked the next question to it. I put it to you, Mr. Speaker, that I am within my rights in asking the question if it comes round a second time.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has exhausted his right to put the question.

67. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

(for Captain GUNSTON) asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to publish the Poor Law Order, 1930?

Sir F. HALL

On a point of Order. Is it not the generally recognised custom of the House that either the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary should be here to answer a question?

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member in whose name the question stands is not here when the question is reached on the first round, he cannot expect the Minister to be present if it is called again.

Sir F. HALL

Surely, as a matter of courtesy, one of the representatives of the Ministry should he here? That has always been the case.

Mr. BECKETT

Is it not a fact that in the last Parliament junior Whips were usually told off to answer difficult questions?