HC Deb 29 May 1940 vol 361 cc548-9
Mrs. Tate

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether adequate numbers of volunteers have been enlisted for the defence of London and whether those volunteers are armed with defensive weapons issued by the War Office or with weapons provided by themselves?

Hon. Members

Where is the Minister?

Mrs. Tate

On a point of Order. May I not be allowed an answer to the Question, of which I gave notice yesterday?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Margesson)

I can only express my regret to the hon. Lady that the right hon. Gentleman does not appear for the moment to be in his place. I can offer no explanation but only say that I regret it and will see that an answer is sent to the hon. Lady as soon as possible.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

On a point of Order. I always understood that a Private Notice Question was one that could not be answered in the ordinary course of House of Commons procedure. May I ask whether this Question was considered by you, Mr. Speaker, and accepted as one that could not be answered in the ordinary course of procedure?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must remember that we are now in Question Time; it is only now half-past Three and any Question of which notice has been given can be answered up to a quarter to Four.

Mrs. Tate

As I have had no answer to my Question and it is a matter of some moment, and as I was informed yesterday at 5.30 that volunteers in London are not allowed—

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Law)

I must apologise to the hon. Member, but I have had no notice of any Question from her for this afternoon.

Mrs. Tate

Perhaps the Financial Secretary would prefer that I should ask the Question again or raise the matter on the Adjournment?

Mr. Speaker

The Question had better be postponed until to-morrow.

Mrs. Tate

I will postpone it until to-morrow.