MR. BIGGATI wish to ask a Question of the noble Lord the Member for County Down (Viscount Castlereagh), of which I have given him private Notice, and, as I may have a few words to say in explanation of that Question, I intend to conclude with a Motion. It will be in the recollection of the House that a few days ago the noble Lord made a personal explanation from his place in this House. The explanation was delivered in an audible tone, and I believe was fully heard by all the Members in the House. Immediately the noble Lord sat down, the noble Marquess the Member for the Radnor Burghs (the Marquess of Hartington) got up and made an explanation in which—["Order, order!"]——
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member for Cavan appears to me to be taking precisely the same course as that which was taken a short time ago by the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Plimsoll), and from which that hon. Member, on my calling attention to its irregularity, desisted. The hon. Member for Cavan, as I understand him, proposes to refer to what took place in this House in debate during the current Session of Parliament. That proceeding is irregular. He also proposes to ask the noble Lord the Member for County Down Questions not referring to any Bill or Motion before the House, That also is irregular. These irregularities are not covered by a Motion for the adjournment of the House.
§ MR. BIGGARJust to a point of Order, Sir. My Question is not upon what the noble Lord said in debate, but what lie is reported inThe Timesnewspaper to have said. What I wish to point out to Mr. Speaker is——["Order, order!"]
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member has stated distinctly that he is going to 1449 ask certain Questions of the noble Lord the Member for County Down. Those Questions, having no reference to any Bill or Motion before the House, cannot, under the Standing Orders of the House, be put.
§ MR. CALLANAS one interested, and who took an active part in the county of Down election, I do hope and trust that the House will accord its indulgence to the hon. Member for Cavan—["No, no!"]—because the matter involves the honour—["Oh, oh!"]
§ MR. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member for Cavan, or any other hon. Member, desires to bring before the House the conduct of the noble Lord the Member for County Down, he should do it by a Motion. It cannot be permitted that the proceedings of this House should be interrupted by Questions of this irregular character.
§ MR. BIGGARWell, Mr. Speaker, I give Notice that on going into Committee of Supply I will, on the first opportunity, call attention to this matter, and ask the noble Lord a Question.