Royal Palaces (Expenditure) (Hansard, 25 July 1961)

§ 6. Mr. W. Hamilton
asked the Minister of Works whether, in the interests of the national economy and the new need to curtail public expenditure, he will now stop the £50,000 improvement work contemplated on IA, Kensington Palace; and if he will reappraise other expenditure on Royal Palaces with a view to effecting further economies.

§ Lord John Hope
The Answer to the first part of the Question is "No." With regard to the second part, the maximum economy is exercised over the Royal 190 Palaces Vote, as with all the Votes for which I am responsible.

§ Mr. Hamilton
Does not the Minister recognise that very soon now the whole nation will be asked to make sacrifices in the national interest? Why, therefore, should a very tiny, highly privileged and, in the main, useless minority —

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman cannot ask that supplementary question. It is out of order. Mr. Fletcher.

§ Mr. Hamilton
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Are you referring to the original Question or to the supplementary question, because, if it is to the supplementary question you refer, I would gladly withdraw—

§ Mr. Speaker
The hon. Member's supplementary question was out of order.

§ Mr. Hamilton
Further to that point of order, may I have an opportunity to rephrase the questions—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

§ Mr. Speaker
I am sorry. The hon. Gentleman's question is out of order, so I have to go on to call the next Question. Mr. Fletcher.

§ Mr. Hamilton
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I think that it is within the recollection of almost every hon. Member that, when a supplementary question has been ruled out of order, the hon. Member asking the original Question has been given the opportunity to ask a supplementary question which is in order, and I am simply seeking—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman has, I think, some illusion. In fact, I called the next Question.

§ Mr. Hamilton
Then, Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. In view of the grossly unsatisfactory nature of the original reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.