HC Deb 14 July 1884 vol 290 cc930-1
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

I wish to put a Question to Mr. Speaker upon a point of Order in reference to the Orders of the Day. I observe that the first line upon the Orders which relates to Supply is printed in italics, and, as there is no number opposite to it, it appears to be rather in the nature of a suggestion. The first Order in the ordinary type is the Municipal Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Bill; and I wish to ask you, Sir, whether that Bill does not stand, at this moment, as the first Order upon the Paper?

MR. SPEAKER

According to the usual understanding, and, I may say, the uniform practice of the House for the last 20 years, the form has been adopted as it now stands upon the Paper.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

Then, Sir, I will ask you, further, whether the Municipal Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Bill does not stand as the first Order?

An hon. MEMBER: No, Supply.

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member for Queen's County (Mr. A. O'Connor) appears to be under some misapprehension. Supply will be the first Order immediately it is resolved that Committee of Supply shall be set up.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

Yes, Sir, that is the point I am coming to. It will be the first Order; but at the present moment I submit that it is not the first Order, and, that being so, I will ask you whether the Standing Order of November, 1882, does or does not at present apply—I mean the Standing Order which says that when Supply stands as the first Order on Mondays and Thursdays, Mr. Speaker shall leave the Chair without any Question put?

MR. SPEAKER

The same course which the hon. Gentleman is finding fault with was adopted on Monday last.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

I am not finding fault with anything.