HC Deb 14 November 1882 vol 274 cc1485-6

Report from the Select Committee on Privilege (Mr. Gray), with Minutes of Evidence, brought up, and read.

MR. SEXTON

rose to a point of Order. He understood that the Attorney General was about to present the Report of the Select Committee, which had inquired into the circumstances of Mr. Gray's imprisonment. He objected to the reception of that Report, and had to bring to the notice of Mr. Speaker that, at to-day's Sitting of the Committee, he had proposed the addition to the Report of a certain paragraph, whereupon the Prime Minister, who was a Member of the Committee, moved the "Previous Question," thereby avoiding the necessity of a direct vote being given on the question proposed. As he understood it was not competent to the right hon. Gentleman to move the Previous Question, he proposed to move that the Report be referred back to the Committee.

MR. SPEAKER

The Motion of the hon. and learned Attorney General would be that the Report do lie on the Table? If the hon. Member desires to move as an Amendment, "That the Report be referred back to the Select Committee," the Question would be argued by the House.

MR. PARNELL

asked whether the Motion of the Attorney General could be made in view of the fact that it was opposed, and that it was after half-past 12 o'clock?

MR. SPEAKER

The Half-past Twelve o'olock Rule would not apply in this instance.

MR. SEXTON

said, he would move "That the Report be referred back to the Select Committee," to consider the propriety of the action taken to-day, the Committee having power to consider the Motion of the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister.

MR. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member desires to enlarge the Reference he must ask leave of the House.

MR. GLADSTONE

suggested that it would be well to adjourn the debate so that the hon. Member for Sligo (Mr. Sexton) might have time to frame his Amendment.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Report do lie upon the Table."—(Mr. Attorney General.)

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Parnell.)

Motion agreed to.

Debate adjourned till To-morrow.

House adjourned at One o'clock.