HC Deb 13 April 1937 vol 322 c780
45. Mr. Batey

asked the Prime Minister whether he will move to appoint a committee to take into consideration the Standing Order (Sittings of the House), and the frequency of the suspension of that Standing Order?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Simon)

No, Sir.

Mr. Batey

Will the Home Secretary explain why this Government should do what no previous Government has ever attempted to do, and suspend the Eleven o'Clock Rule almost every evening?

Sir J. Simon

I think that, if the hon. Member will consult the records, he will not find that that is so. It is true that the Eleven o'Clock Rule has been often suspended, but, as he will observe, on many occasions it has not led to late sittings. Only last night, the Debate ran till just over Eleven o'Clock, and, therefore, time was saved.

Mr. Batey

If the right hon. Gentleman has consulted the records, will he tell us how many times this Government has suspended the Eleven o'Clock Rule?

Mr. Stephen

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider again the possibility of the House meeting at an earlier hour, so that business can be expedited?

Mr. Speaker

That is a different question from the one on the Paper.