MR. JOSEPH COWENI wish to put a Question to the Speaker, in reference to the Procedure of the House. I notice that there is attached to the Bill which has been introduced for restricting the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday a statement of its object and purpose. What I wish to know is, Whether it would be possible to extend that practice, so as to provide that hon. Members, in introducing a Bill, may have liberty to state its objects and purposes? If such a liberty were granted, I believe it would have a considerable effect in inducing hon. Members to dispense with preliminary speeches, and would consequently save the time of the House.
§ MR. SPEAKERA memorandum or statement explaining the subject-matter of a Bill has been occasionally allowed to be presented with a Bill; but it has been limited solely to the contents and purposes of the Bill. The hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne seems to desire a further extension of that practice; but I do not think I should be justified in authorizing an extension of the practice without the authority of the House.
MR. JOSEPH COWENI beg to give Notice that, on the first occasion of going into Committee of Supply, I will call attention to the matter, and move a Resolution authorizing the extension of the practice.