Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 24 May 1937.
Mr David Margesson
, Rugby
No, Sir. As the House is aware, it is for the Opposition to put down what Votes they wish to debate on allotted Supply days. Therefore, it does not rest with the Government to say what Vote will be put down.
The Opposition are the political parties in the House of Commons other than the largest or Government party. They are called the Opposition because they sit on the benches opposite the Government in the House of Commons Chamber. The largest of the Opposition parties is known as Her Majesty's Opposition. The role of the Official Opposition is to question and scrutinise the work of Government. The Opposition often votes against the Government. In a sense the Official Opposition is the "Government in waiting".
