QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS. (Hansard, 8 June 1937)

§ Mr. Garro Jones
On a point of Order. Just before the last Adjournment of the House, I ventured, Mr. Speaker, to direct your attention to the failure of various 1595 Departments to give answers to Written Questions on the date for which they were asked, and you expressed the opinion that my drawing the attention of the House to the matter would have an effective result. Since that time, I and other Members have put Written Questions, and replies have not been given on the due date. I wish to point out that, if this practice is not rectified, hon. Members will discontinue the very useful habit of putting down Questions for Written Answer, and will put them down for Oral Answer. I would, therefore, ask again whether any steps can be taken to rectify this irregularity?

§ Mr. Speaker
I sincerely hope that nothing will be done to increase the number of Oral Questions. With regard to the first part of the hon. Member's question, he will recognise that I have no control over this matter. All that I can do is to express the hope that replies will be given as soon as possible.

§ Mr. Garro Jones
Would it be possible for the Prime Minister to give an assurance that he will give this matter his personal attention?

§ The Prime Minister
This is the first time that my attention has been called to the question raised by the hon. Member, but, if the facts are as he has stated them, I should agree that it is very undesirable that delay should take place in the Answers to Questions. I will make inquiries and see what can be done.