HC Deb 07 July 1884 vol 290 cc230-1
MR. MACFARLANE

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If his attention has been called to the difficulty in making a House on Wednesdays; and if he has considered whether that difficulty may be, in part, due to the Rule which prevents Members who have once entered the House from leaving it until a House has been made; and, if it would be possible to alter the practice, and leave the House open, as on other days?

MR. GLADSTONE

What I believe to be the case is, that there is no difference in the Rule prevailing on Wednesday in regard to the obligation incumbent on Members entering the House from the Rule applying on other days; but on other days, when the House meets at a quarter to 4, it works differently, because a House must be made before 4 o'clock. In regard to the Rule on Wednesday, which I am informed is felt to some extent at other Morning Sittings, I am not in a position to give an answer, because I do not find there is any clear and distinct opinions prevailing among the authorities of the House or among Members in regard to a change of Rules. If it was clear the convenience would be promoted by such a change it would, of course, be well worth considering.

MR. MACFARLANE

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, on a point of Order, under what Standing Order or other Rule of the House is an hon. Member who comes in at 12 on Wednesdays precluded from going out again until a quorum is made?

MR. SPEAKER

It is under no Standing Order that the doors are closed; but under the long-established practice of the House. The hon. Member is not correct in saying that no hon. Member is permitted to leave the House; because if any Member applies to the Speaker, the Speaker will give him leave to leave the House though the doors are closed.