HL Deb 27 January 1954 vol 185 cc487-8

2.54 p.m.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, may I ask the Leader of the House a question on Business? I want to ask his help. Yesterday a very important statement was made about Kenya. Many noble Lords, and I myself, were in the House, but I had no idea that there was to be such a statement. Will the noble Marquess consider whether there is some way in which the unofficial Members of the House might be notified in time so that they can be present to hear these important statements?

THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)

I am very sorry that the noble Viscount did not receive information. I think rather short notice was given.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

Yes.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

The usual practice, of course, is to inform the other Parties, through the usual channels, of an important statement and that percolates through the whole of the ranks of the Party concerned. But I am afraid that in this case I must take the full blame on myself. Not enough time was given. I will see that it does not happen again.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

I should not dream of blaming the noble Marquess. No House could receive greater courtesy than this House does from him. I am thinking, however, of the unofficial Members, like myself, who do not know what is going to take place. If it were possible in the morning in some way to notify us, or even the night before, on the Motion for the Adjournment, it would be a great help to us in the discharge of what we conceive to be our duties.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I will certainly look into it and see what we can do.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

I thank the noble Marquess very much.