§ MR. NEWDEGATEAs reports are current that it is the intention of the supporters of Mr. Bradlaugh to come to this House in numbers, I believe that a declaration from yourself, Mr. Speaker, of the law and of the custom in this matter will conduce to public order and prevent disappointment. I, therefore, beg to ask, Whether persons, not being Members of the House of Commons, but who may have signed, or may be considered to be interested in Petitions addressed to the House, have any right of access to the Lobbies of the House, or to the House itself, before or when such Petitions are presented?
§ MR. SPEAKERIn answer to the hon. Member, it is right I should state that according to the Rules and Orders of this House, a Petition can be presented to this House by a Member only, except a Petition from the Corporation of London, or the Corporation of Dublin. With regard to access to the Lobbies, the House is aware that a stranger can be admitted to them only by the introduction of a Member of this House. With regard to keeping open the access to this House, that is a matter regulated by the Sessional Resolution, passed at the commencement of each Session.