§ Mr. ShinwellI desire to raise a point of Order arising out of a question I put on the Order Paper. Two days ago I sent to the Prime Minister a petition relating to old age pensions and intimating that I intended to put down a question to the Prime Minister for to-day. I received from the right hon. Gentleman an intimation that the question was transferred to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I do not agree with the transference, and I wish to ask whether the Prime Minister is entitled to transfer a question directed to himself, and concerning himself alone, without having obtained my consent?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member must understand that questions are transferred to the Department which is best qualified to give an answer. I do not know whether it is necessary to inform an hon. Member of the change.
§ Mr. ShinwellWith great respect, I submit that, while there may be this custom, to which I cannot object, yet I venture to submit that this question related to a matter of policy and possible legislation and, therefore, was not a matter to be directed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer but to the Prime Minister himself, who is the only person in this House able to answer questions on Government policy.
§ Mr. SpeakerMany questions have been put on the Order Paper relating to old age pensions, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer has usually answered them. I see no remedy.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn that case I beg to intimate that I shall withdraw the question until a more suitable date.