HC Deb 01 June 1932 vol 266 cc1161-2
46. Mr. MAXTON

asked the Prime Minister if he can now provide facilities for the discussion of the Motion on the action of the Governor of New South Wales— That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty praying for the recall of the Governor of New South Wales, on the ground that Ms action in dismissing the Prime Minister of New South Wales is contrary to the public interest and an affront to the democracies of Great Britain and the Commonwealth of Australia.

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

I regret that I am unable to provide the facilities desired by the hon. Member.

Mr. MAXTON

Could the right hon. Gentleman inform the House as to whether the Governor of New South Wales was acting constitutionally when he took the drastic step of dismissing a demoeratically-elected Government?

Mr. BALDWIN

I think the action was perfectly constitutional, but that is not a matter to be dealt with by question and answer. The question can be raised, as an old experienced Member of the House like the hon. Member knows, in the course of Parliamentary Debate in certain circumstances without special time being found for it.

Mr. MAXTON

I have done my very best to get questions on the Paper and find it impossible under the Rules of the House to get them over the Floor. I have put a Motion on the Paper, which is the recognised method. Now you tell me of some other procedure. I am quite unaware of it in spite, as you kindly say, of my long Parliamentary experience.

Mr. BALDWIN

It is hardly for me to advise Members on a subject which is so simple. The hon. Member can find out, I am sure, by applying to Mr. Speaker, within what limits a question can be asked and how much further it can be raised on the Secretary of State's Vote.

Mr. HANNON

In point of fact, has not the action of the Governor in this case the approval of the whole of the people of Australia?

Mr. MAXTON

Have the whole of the people of Australia the right to suspend the British Constitution?

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