HC Deb 26 August 1880 vol 256 cc352-3

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. BERESFORD HOPE

reminded the Speaker that there was Notice of opposition on the Paper, and the hour was after 12.30 A.M.

MR. PARNELL

rose to Order. In the year 1877, when the House sat into the next day, the Speaker ruled that, in the interest of the Business of the House, as there was a doubt in the matter, he would resolve the doubt in favour of the Business of the House. In reference to the Report of the Irish Judicature Bill, which was an opposed Order, the Speaker ruled that it should be taken, notwithstanding what was commonly called a "block Notice" was on the Paper, and that the half-past 12 Rule did not stand against it. The Report stage of that Bill was, therefore, taken, and considerable progress was made with the measure during the day. He would ask the Speaker to follow the precedent he had already laid down, and rule, in the interest of Public Business, that an opposed Order could be taken.

MAJOR NOLAN

called attention to the ruling of the Speaker on the occasion referred to. The right hon. Gentleman had considered that freedom of action in the matter remained with the House, and that, as it was near the end of the Session, the block Notice should not continue. The Government placed important Bills on the Papers, and in respect of all measures it would be useful if the half past 12 o'clock restriction were taken off.

MR. SPEAKER

I have a very clear recollection of the occasion when that ruling was given. No doubt, the hon. Member for Cork is quite right in his statement; and, under the circumstances, we must consider that we can proceed with the Bill if the House thinks proper.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

said, he had no intention to speak upon the point of Order which had been raised; but he must remind hon. Members that the Committee had sat all night, and that it had to meet again at 2 o'clock that afternoon. Under the circumstances, the most convenient course would be that the House should now adjourn. He would move that this House do now adjourn.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—(The Marquess of Hartinyton.)

Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at a quarter before One o'clock P.M.