MR. FITZROYmoved, that the Resolution of March 29, 1855, "That any Member having secured a Scat at Prayers shall be entitled to retain the same until the rising of the House," be made a Standing Order.
§ SIR DENHAM NORREYSobjected, that this would he a very unfair arrangement, because it would enable Members to come in at prayers, secure their seat, then go away until late in the evening, or until some important speaker rose, and then come back and insist upon their right. It was bettor to resort to the old practice, that a Member who was present at prayers should retain the right to the scat until a division took place, and if present at the division, then afterwards until the next division; but that if he was not present at the division that he should lose his right.
§ SIR EDWARD COLEBROOKEthought the matter was one which had better be left to be settled by the ordinary courtesy of Gentlemen.
§ MR. BENTINCKreminded the House that a similar Resolution, moved by the late lamented Mr. Muntz, had been unanimously agreed to.
§ SIR JOHN SHELLEYthought the present system had worked well. The hon. Baronet (Sir D. Norreys) apparently-wished to apply to hon. Members the French proverb, "Qui va la chasse perd sa place."
§ Ordered, That the said Resolution be made a Standing Order of this House.