HC Deb 19 February 1817 vol 35 c472

Mr. Wynn moved, "That upon days appointed for taking into consideration any Election Petition, no member be allowed to depart from the House, from the time when Mr. Speaker shall begin to count the House, until either the order for the consideration of such petition be discharged or adjourned, or till the list of forty-nine members be completed."

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

expressed his warm approbation of the motion. It was highly disrespectful and unbecoming, that members should go away under such circumstances; and he was sure that gentlemen, on reflection, would see the necessity of some regulation on the subject.

The Speaker

in putting the question, suggested the propriety of giving the sergeant at arms authority to tell members who might be leaving the House that they were acting inconsistent with their duty, and with the rules of the House.

The question was put, and agreed to.