HC Deb 03 August 1888 vol 329 cc1553-4

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Lords' Amendments be considered on Tuesday."

MR. T. M. HEALY

said, his objection applied equally to Tuesday.

MR. SPEAKER

This is merely formal Business, and the hon. and learned Member cannot object to it.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Cannot I object and divide against the Motion?

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. and learned Member cannot divide against this merely formal Business. It is formal and routine Business of the House, and I do not think it comes within the Rules of Opposed Business, or can be opposed.

MR. T. M. HEALY

May I ask you, Sir, is there not a Standing Order that objection being taken to any particular day the Motion goes down for the next day?

MR. SPEAKER

Objection in the present case ought not to be raised. Discretion must be exercised in the application of the Rules to what is or is not Opposed Business. This is purely formal Business that must be transacted if Business is to be proceeded with at all.

MR. T. M. HEALY

rose again——

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. T. M. HEALY

I wish to ask you a question, Sir. I would ask you to say whether the Business is formal or not? Is not the question of the appointment of Business for any day—affecting, as it surely does, the convenience of Members—is that not a matter upon which the House, as a whole, is entitled to exercise an opinion? For instance, Sir, to cite a precedent, take the case——

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! This is not binding the House that an Order shall be taken on a particular day—it is only naming a day in order that Business may be put down. The same opportunity is still open to an hon. Member to take objection when the Order is called in the usual course.

MR. T. M. HEALY

May I ask, Sir, what is the value or purpose of putting a Question from the Chair unless the House is to express an opinion?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. and learned Member is now arguing with me. I have given my ruling as to the ordinary and proper course to be pursued.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will you put the Question, Mr. Speaker?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! I shall not put the Question.

Lords' Amendments to be considered upon Tuesday next, and to be printed. [Bill 366.]

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