The Times of last Saturday publishes a letter from Mr.
Walter Long about the new Grand Committee scheme which deserves the serious consideration of all who desire to maintain the fullest possible Parliamentary discussion. Mr. Long says that no official record is kept of the work of the Grand Committee which is considering the Scotch Bill. When the Committee began its work it met at 12 o'clock and adjourned at 2.4,5, in time for the members to be in the House at question time. The Govern- ment desired more rapid progress, and the Committee agreed to meet at 11. A sitting from 11 to 2.45 was not a good preparation for the main work of the House of Commons ; but the Government have since called upon the Committee to sit till 4. This plan either prevents members of the Committee from being in the House for questions, or else removes them and their criticisms from the Grand Committee.
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