§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That leave be given to bring in a Bill for extending the Parliamentary Franchise to Women."—(Mr. Woodall.)
§ MR. WARTONsaid, he should like to ask the hon. Member what the Bill really was? A rumour had gone forth that it was a measure which represented the interests of one section of agitators. There were two sets of female agitators in this question—one in favour of the enfranchisement of women, and the other in favour of single women, or widows, or persons who were neither single nor widows, but improper characters. The Bill that was brought forward by the hon. Member, and withdrawn, was one for all women who had the qualification which would enable them to vote, whether they were married, single, or widows; and this Bill was for widows, single women, and improper characters.
§ Question put.
§
The House divided:—Ayes 29; Noes 8: Majority 21.—(Div. List, No. 19.)
Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. WOODALL, Mr. ILLINGWORTH, Mr. COLERIDGE KENNARD, Mr. STANSFELD, Mr. YORKE, and Baron HENRY DE WORMS.
Bill presented, and read the first time. [BILL 39.]
§ MR. WARTONI rise to Order. I wish, Sir, to call your attention to the fact that there are not 40 Members present.
§ MR. SPEAKERIncluding the Tellers there are more than 40 Members present.
§ After a pause,
§ MR. WARTONsaid: I wish, Sir, to call your attention to the numbers recorded in the late Division. I am informed that one hon. Member who in- 24 tended to vote with me in the "No" Lobby found himself in the wrong Lobby, and his name has been recorded with the "Ayes."
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. and learned Member is too late in raising that question now.