§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDCan the Prime Minister inform the House when he proposes to call us together again?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. Although the time before the day I propose leaves, in my opinion, too little time for the work of the Departments, I am anxious that the first Session of Parliament should not begin by any restrictions on the rights of Private Members, if I can manage it, and I propose, therefore, assuming that we prorogue tomorrow, that we shall meet again on 13th February.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs there any means, Mr. Speaker, may I ask, by which Members of the House who think the House ought not to adjourn to-morrow and ought to meet earlier than 13th February, are there any constitutional means by which Private Members may exercise the privilege of Members of this House of entering a constitutional protest, recording, it may be, by vote what they think on the matter?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe matter of the Prorogation does not lie in my hands, and no Motion can be made in that respect. Members desiring to take their seats—
§ Mr. LANSBURYMay I ask another question, Mr. Speaker? Is it not the fact that we are being prorogued tomorrow, not by the King's action, but action taken under the advice of Ministers. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] What I want to find out is this—and I do not want to be disorderly—how I can raise the question constitutionally; that is all I want to know?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid that I cannot go further. Members desiring to take their seats—
§ Mr. LANSBURYI shall have to ask you again, Mr. Speaker?
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORWill you allow me, Mr. Speaker, to make a personal explanation? It is only to say—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe time has passed for that.
§ Mr. O'CONNORI only wanted to save the time of the House.