§ MR. SPEAKERI think it right to call the attention of the House to a proceeding which occurred at the last sitting of the House. It will be in the recollection of the House that in the last Session a Resolution was agreed to, after much discussion, by which the ancient practice requiring the exclusion of Strangers on notice being taken of their attendance was suspended. That Resolution has not been renewed during the present Session or made a Standing Order of the House. Early on Saturday morning last an hon. Member took notice that Strangers were present, and it seemed to me that, after the House had deliberately discontinued its former practice, I was bound to consider, until otherwise instructed, that the new practice was henceforth to be observed. The House is aware that many Resolutions concerning matters of practice and order have been observed as binding without being renewed. I accordingly read to the House the Resolution of the 31st of May, 1875, and proceeded to put the Question for the withdrawal of Strangers in the terms of that Resolution. I then stated to the House the circumstances under which I deemed it my duty to give effect to that Resolution, but I think it proper that the House should have an opportunity of more fully declaring its purpose and determining whether the Resolution shall continue to be observed.
§ MR. DISRAELIMr. Speaker, after what you have said, I think it most convenient to say I will take an early opportunity of consulting the House upon this subject.