§ LORD FERMOYsaid, he wished to ask a question which involved a point of order. He was anxious to know whether the Motion he had put upon the Paper would entitle him to precedence. That Motion was to the effect—"That the rejection by the House of Lords of the Bill for the repeal of the Paper Duties is an encroachment on the Rights and Privileges of the House of Commons, and it is therefore incumbent upon this House to adopt a practical measure for the vindication of its Rights and Privileges."
§ MR. SPEAKERA question of privilege to be entitled to precedence must refer to some matter that has recently arisen, and which calls for the present interposition of the House. Now, it cannot be said that the subject-matter of the noble Lord's Resolution has recently arisen, because twelve days ago the noble Lord the First Lord of the Treasury proposed Resolutions to this House on the same subject, which were adopted by a large majority. While the House reserves to itself on every occasion the power of at once proceeding with any matter which may appear urgent, still it does not admit the claim of hon. Members to precedence, unless the prescribed requirements are all fulfilled. It certainly seems to me that in the present instance those requirements have not been fulfilled, and I do not think the noble Lord is entitled to precedence.