HC Deb 05 August 1881 vol 264 cc995-6
MR. LABOUCHERE

I apprehend, Sir, that I shall be in Order in laying before you the conduct of a Member of this House within the precincts of the House. I need not say I refer to the hon. Member for the City of London (Mr. R. N. Fowler). I have received the following letter from my Colleague in the representation of Northampton:— 20, Circus Road, St. John's Wood, N.W. August 4. My dear Labouchere,—Among the excessively painful incidents of yesterday there is one matter which I cannot help bringing to your notice. Alderman R. N. Fowler (London) followed me downstairs, and at the door leading on to Palace-yard, just as the police and other officials were forcibly ejecting me, I heard Mr. Fowler say, 'Kick him out,' and the people near on this hooted at Mr. Fowler. Surely, as this took place within the precincts of the House, and as I was debarred by my being in the hold of 12 men from retorting as this deserved, and am also debarred from protecting myself in my place in Parliament, I may appeal to you to bring this matter before the House. If the House should hold that this did not occur within its precincts I shall at once summon Mr. Alderman Fowler for endeavouring to excite to a breach of the peace. Yours very sincerely, C. BRADLAUGH. I need not add anything to that letter, and I shall leave the matter, Sir, in your hands.

MR. E. N. FOWLER

I have to thank the hon. Member for his courtesy in deferring this Question from yesterday until to-day to suit my convenience. If I take any notice of the letter it is not from any respect to Mr. Bradlaugh, whose admission to this House I have always opposed, and shall continue to oppose by the best means in my power. It is because I think it would be inconsistent with the duty of any Member of this House to interfere with the police in the discharge of a difficult duty, which I may say, from what I saw, they discharged with very great moderation and forbearance. All I have to say is, that I never used the words in question, and I emphatically deny the statement made in the letter read to the House.