HC Deb 02 April 1936 vol 310 cc2125-6
51. Mr. DALTON

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange that in future, when Government Bills are under discussion, two Ministers shall always be in attendance and prepared to speak and answer questions so that the House may be able to obtain full and accurate information regarding proposed legislation?

The PRIME MINISTER

I shall always make what arrangements I think best to ensure that Measures presented to this House are adequately explained and conducted.

Mr. ATTLEE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable dissatisfaction arising from the fact that, although this House has allowed the right hon. Gentleman to have more and more Ministers in the Cabinet, the House is frequently left without guidance, and that on several occasions recently when Ministers have disregarded the express opinion of the House there has been no responsible Minister on the bench to see that that was not done?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that is a little exaggeration. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] The question relates to the future.

Mr. GARRO-JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the dissatisfaction of the House with replies from Ministers when the House is in full session, it has become almost the general practice for the Minister to ask for permission to speak again, and that the old Rule under which a Minister could speak only once has been completely abrogated? In these circumstances will he ensure that there shall be two Ministers present when the House is not in Committee?

The PRIME MINISTER

Such practice as the hon. Member refers to has certainly been followed in this House all the time that I have been in it, and for long before.

Miss WILKINSON

Is it the fact that we have to put up with junior Ministers while the right hon. Gentleman's Cabinet is composing its differences on other matters?

The PRIME MINISTER

I fear the lion. Lady has been contributing to the Liberal papers.

Mr. COCKS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the other night the Under-Secretary of State for Air could riot answer a single question?

Forward to