HC Deb 12 March 1886 vol 303 cc739-41

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Select Committee on Parliamentary Procedure do consist of Thirty-three Members."

SIR ROBERT FOWLER (London)

I do not rise to object to the nomination of this Committee. It is an admirable Committee in many ways; but I should like to point out that it consists almost entirely of one section of the House—that is to say, Gentlemen in Office, who have been in Office, or who wish to be in Office. These are all admirable men, no doubt; but it seems to me that there is an entire want of commercial men on the Committee. I should like to know why the hon. Baronet the Member for the University of London (Sir John Lubbock) is not upon the Committee? This inquiry will not only affect the Procedure of the House; but it will also have to do with the arrangements of the House. It is contemplated to make an alteration in the Kitchen arrangements, and I think, therefore, that some private Members might have been appointed to take part in the investigation. There are Members who devote themselves to the Business of the House, and others who spend a great deal of time in other avocations, and these, amongst whom are not a few connected with the Legal Profession, should, I think, have been allowed some voice in this matter. Although, no doubt, the Report of this Committee will carry great weight, we must feel that the body is composed almost entirely of one section, and private Members will have a right to criticize the Report in many respects. If the Committee reports in the sense indicated by the Resolutions of my right hon. Friend the late Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Michael Hicks-Beach), I shall reserve freedom to myself to oppose those propositions when they come before the House.

Mr. PULESTON (Devonport)

I would observe that it is useless to appoint a Committee on such an important subject as this, unless it is thoroughly representative. It is always usual in cases of this kind to appoint upon the Committee some of those who have paid special attention to the subject in hand, and who are interested in it. I entirely concur in the remarks of the hon. Baronet who has just sat down. I think it would not be at all satisfactory to confine this Committee to hon. Members who will not have the entire confidence of the House. If you do that, your action will only lead to unnecessary discussion, which might be avoided by making the Committee thoroughly representative.

MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

I am sorry that there is no Ulster Representative of the Conservative Party on the Committee. We are a small Party, no doubt, but we represent a large interest and should have a voice on this Committee.

Question put, and agreed to.

Ordered, That the Select Committee on Parliamentary Procedure do consist of Thirty-three Members:—The Committee was accordingly nominated of:—Marquess of HARTINGTON, Sir WALTER BARTTELOT, Sir ARTHUR BASS, Sir MICHAEL HICKS BEACH, Mr. BRIGHT, Dr. CAMERON, Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. DILLWYN, Mr. DUFF, Sir WILLIAM HART DYKE, Sir JAMES FERGUSSON, Sir JOHN GORST, Mr. GOSCHEN, Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT, Mr. T. M. HEALY, Mr. HOLMES, Mr. ILLINGWORTH, Mr. LEAKE, Mr. JUSTIN M'CARTHY, Sir JOHN MOWBRAY, Mr. ARTHUR O'CONNOR, Sir RICHARD PAGET, Mr. RAIKES, Mr. RYLANDS, Mr. SCLATER-BOOTH, Mr. CRAIG SELLAR, Mr. SEXTON, Mr. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, Mr. STANHOPE, Sir HUSSEY VIVIAN, Mr. WHITBREAD, and Mr. WHITLEY, with power to send for persons, papers, and records.

Ordered, That Nine be the quorum.—(Mr. Gladstone.)