HC Deb 07 August 1835 vol 30 cc145-6
Lord John Russell

moved, in pursuance of notice, "That for the rest of the Session Orders of the Day should precede Notices." Last Session this Resolution had been adopted on the 9th of July; and at this time of the year it seemed necessary, as a number of public measures were upon the books, which ought not to be discussed and considered in so thin an attendance as was likely to take place after the notices of the night had been disposed of.

Mr. Hume

I quite agree with the noble Lord that it is desirable that some arrangement of the kind should be made; but I wish to ask what prospect the noble Lord can afford us of the termination of the Session. Suppose, as is alleged, that the Bill now before the other House should be rejected, it would be my business to submit to this House the propriety of a call of the House, in order to determine what measure should be adopted in such an event. It is certainly expedient to get the Bills through, and that the attendance should not be thinner than can be avoided, but this House is the Great Council of the nation, and ought to be ready to meet the emergency I have contemplated. I do not, therefore, agree to the proposal of the noble Lord, because I think the Session near its end.

Lord John Russell

As to the call of the House under such extraordinary circumstances, I apprehend that should they occur, the Resolution I wish the House now to adopt, could be set aside for the purpose.

Mr. Roebuck

I suggest that at this late period it would be as well for the House to adjourn for a month or six weeks, while the farce in another place is going on.

The Speaker

I am sure the hon. Member will feel in a moment the unfitness of such an observation.

Mr. Roebuck

Certainly, after what you, Mr. Speaker, have said, I feel that it would have been better not to have made the observation; but I should not have discovered its impropriety—I hope I may be permitted to finish my sentence—I should not have discovered its impropriety seeing what has been allowed to be said in another place regarding this House.

Lord John Russell

Perhaps I may be allowed to say with reference to the observation of the hon. Member for Bath, that it is my own opinion—my most decided opinion—whatever Gentlemen may hear or see in the public prints of what passes in another place, that the best way to preserve the dignity of this House of Parliament, and parliamentary proceedings, is not to take any notice of anything that may be said, offensive or derogatory. Of course we cannot know what takes place elsewhere; but as far as this House is concerned, I hope we shall take care not to expose ourselves to any censure.

Motion agreed to.