HC Deb 11 July 1887 vol 317 cc355-6
MR. OSBORNE MORGAN (Denbighshire, E.)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is aware that the average hour (exclusive of holidays) at which the House of Commons has risen during the working part of the present Session is 25 minutes past 2 o'clock in the morning; and, whether he can hold out any prospect of an early change in a practice so detrimental to the Public Service and so injurious to the health of those directly affected thereby?

THE FIEST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

I am very well aware of the great strain which has been thrown upon hon. Members who have taken an active part in the Business of the House during the course of the present Session. It has been due to causes which, I hope, are abnormal, and which, I hope, will not recur. I am not in a position to recommend any immediate change in the Orders and Rules of the House, with the view, by Rule, to prevent the continuance of such a strain; but I hope that it will be possible for hon. Members to place some restraint on their own predilections and privileges,[Op position laughter, and cries of "Clôture!" and "Order."] No, Sir; I am most anxious to avoid the imposition of any new Rules as far as it is possible. I quite sympathize with the spirit in which the right hon. and learned Member has addressed this Question to me. I again say I hope it will be possible for hon. Members to have some regard to the hours within which it is possible to conduct Business, and thereby to bring the course of Business to an earlier close than has been the practice on past occasions.

MR. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)

inquired, whether the Rules of Procedure which were placed on the Paper by the Government early in the Session were now abandoned, or if the right hon. Gentleman had any intention of proceeding with them?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I have every intention of proceeding further with the Rules of Procedure; but the right hon. Gentleman must be aware that they would take, of necessity, some time for their consideration. At present I am not in a position to afford that time, or to ask the House to afford that time.