HC Deb 07 June 1875 vol 224 cc1467-8
MR. NEWDEGATE

asked the Prime Minister, Whether he would propose that the House should sit at two o'clock the next day?

MR. DISIRAELI

Sir, in reply to my hon. Friend, I would venture to hope that the House will sit at 2 o'clock tomorrow.

MR. WHALLEY

asked the Prime Minister, Whether he would give him the same assistance that he had recently given the hon. Member for Stoke in bringing forward a somewhat cognate subject, that of Contempt of Court? The conduct of Her Majesty's Judges in this matter was the subject of much complaint, for Petitions signed by nearly 400,000 persons had been presented in reference to it. The Question was on the Paper on Friday last; he did not wish to make any complaint, it did not become him to make any complaint. ["Order!"]

MR. SPEAKER

said, the hon. Member was at liberty to make any explanation which might be necessary for the clear understanding of his Question, but not to enter upon any general discussion.

MR. WHALLEY

said, he was most anxious to confine himself to such few words as were necessary. This was a matter of equal importance to that which called forth the assistance of the right hon. Gentleman on a former occasion, and the circumstances of that Motion must be present to the minds—

MR. SPEAKER

said, the hon. Member was not at liberty to allude to the circumstances of the Motion. That was quite irregular.

MR. WHALLEY

said, he would content himself with asking the right hon. Gentleman, whether he would afford him any direct assistance in bringing that Motion before the House; and, if not, whether he would give him an assurance that, if it were put down for Friday week on going into Committee of Supply, he would render the assistance of the Government, not only in making a House, but in keeping a House?

MR. DISRAELI

Sir, we shall feel it our duty to make a House on Friday, in accordance with the understanding that prevails; but whether we can keep a House will depend a great deal upon what is said, and, of course, I cannot undertake to enter into any engagement on that head. With regard to the general inquiry of the hon. Gentleman, I can only say that when all the Government business is concluded, I shall feel it my duty and a pleasure to study the convenience of every individual Member.