Points of Order
2.35 pm
Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. You will know that the parliamentary website states officially:
“If the Queen’s Speech is amended, the Prime Minister must resign.”
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 has obviously changed what constitutes a no confidence motion but, historically, any amendment to the Queen’s Speech has been termed a no confidence motion.
I raise that question because the ministerial code of conduct, which is embodied in a motion of this House, states:
“Parliamentary Private Secretaries are expected to support the Government in important divisions in the House. No Parliamentary Private Secretary who votes against the Government can retain his or her position.”
I understand that the Prime Minister is letting his PPSs know that they are free to vote as they wish. Does that not suggest to you, Mr Speaker, that the Prime Minister has no confidence in his own
Government?
Mr Speaker: What I would say to the hon. Gentleman is twofold. If he is quoting accurately, the website is wrong and can speedily be put right. On the second point, I simply say for his benefit and that of the House that the selection of amendments has not yet taken place. He is therefore in the realm of the hypothetical. Whether he wishes to be there I cannot say, but I do not and, I trust, neither does the House.
HISTORICAL NOTES
HC Deb 21 January 1924 vol 169 cc532-685
[FIFTH DAY.]
Order read for resuming Adjourned Debate on Amendment [17th January] to Question [15th January].
"That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, as followeth:—
Most Gracious Sovereign,
We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament."—[Mr. Banks.]
Which Amendment was, at the end of the Question, to add the words
"But it is our duty respectfully to submit to your Majesty that Your Majesty's present advisers have not the confidence of this House:"—[Mr. Clynes.]
Question again proposed, "That those words be there added."
Main Question, as amended, put accordingly.
The House divided: Ayes, 328; Noes, 251.
HC Deb 22 January 1924 vol 169 cc696-707 696
The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)
I beg to move,That this House do now adjourn until Tuesday, 12th February.As the result of the vote which took place in this House last night, the Government have tendered their resignation to the King, and His Majesty has been graciously pleased to accept it. [An HON. MEMBER "Thank God for that!"]
