HC Deb 21 March 1934 vol 287 cc1208-9
Sir EDWARD CAMPBELL

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, may I draw attention to the fact that many questions to-day are left unanswered owing to the fact that so many people nowadays ask questions and do not take the trouble to come to the House, notwithstanding the fact that all these questions cost a great deal of money to the Treasury; and will you take some steps about it?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not know what steps I can take.

Later—

Sir E. CAMPBELL

On a point of Order. We have just had three questions which have caused the Minister to sit here long over the time due. Cannot something be done to prevent this? Cannot it be arranged that questions are not put a second time if people are not present to ask them on the first occasion?

Mr. PALING

If there are no questions, is that a reason why Ministers should not be here?

Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID

Is it not a fact that I have known the hon. Member for Bromley (Sir E. Campbell) to be late on many occasions?

Commander LOCKER-LAMPSON

We are very apologetic.

Mr. SPEAKER

I think that the present system has worked very well. There are occasions when absence is unavoidable. At the same time it seems to me to be hardly worth while for hon. Members to put down questions if they are not here to ask them.

Mr. DINGLE FOOT

Is it not open to the House to order a call when Members are absent?