§ MR. HOWELL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is aware that the new Rules and Regulations relating to Post Office Savings Banks, under the Act of last Session, were only laid upon the Table of this House on July 10 last; whether such Rules and Regulations have to be before Parliament for 40 days before acquiring the force of law; and, whether steps will be taken, and, if so, what steps, with a view to those Rules and Regulations being rendered valid, should the House adjourn before the 40 days expire?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)The new Rules and Regulations relating to Post Office Saving Banks were, as stated, only laid upon the Table of the House on the 10th ultimo; but I am informed that it is only a Prorogation, and not an Adjournment, that would render the Rules invalid; if the sittings were suspended before the prescribed period had elapsed the 40 days required by the Act will run on interruptedly during the time over which the House stands adjourned.
§ MR. HOWELLasked, whether, if similar Rules were laid upon the Table on the last day before the adjournment, the transaction would command the right hon. Gentleman's approbation?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHreplied that such a course would be an unfair use of the power of the Department that issued the Rules, and would not be attempted.