HC Deb 06 July 1882 vol 271 cc1619-20
MR. ARTHUR ARNOLD

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he has observed that the Rule against Obstruction is composed in the singular number and in the present tense; and, whether he will, in the New Rules, or otherwise, provide that this Rule shall operate individually, and in no case against Members when they are not in this House, and when they have received no warning from the Chair?

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, in reply to my hon. Friend, I would observe that these are inquiries relating to the framing and interpretation of the Procedure Rules, or to the amendment of the Standing Order commonly known by the name of the right hon. Baronet the Member for North Devon (Sir Stafford Northcote). Of course, I have no right to construe the Rule in any manner, nor is this the time for discussing the principle of that Rule. I am bound, however, to say I am not able to accept, as at present advised, the statement of my hon. Friend in the breadth in which it stands, because I cannot believe there is any doubt that in certain cases—to quote the one particular case that happened last year, when the same identical act was done at the same time by a number of hon. Gentlemen—that the mere use of the singular number would exclude these Gentlemen from the operation of the Rule. Nor do I attempt to lay down any exact interpretation with regard to the recent construction of the Rule. These are important matters, which will come under the consideration of the House when we come to deal with the question of Procedure, and my hon. Friend will then have the opportunity of assisting us with his views.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

asked the right hon. Baronet the Member for North Devon (Sir Stafford Northcote) whether it had not been explained that the Standing Order introduced by him should only take effect when the Gentleman about to be Named was present?

MR. SPEAKER

I am bound to point out that the hon. Member is asking a Question not upon any Bill or Motion before the House, of which the right hon. Gentleman has charge, and the Question, therefore, is not regular.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

There is a Motion, Sir.