HC Deb 15 July 1887 vol 317 cc952-3
MR. RADCLIFFE COOKE (Newington, W.)

asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he will take steps to give to Members of Parliament engaged in study in the Library of the House of Commons facilities for learning the course and progress of Business and Debates in this House equal to those enjoyed by their fellow-subjects in other parts of the Empire?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)

I quite agree that it would be a great convenience for Members engaged in study in the Library—[An hon. MEMBER: And the Smoking Room.]—and also in. the onerous duties of the Smoking Room, if they had constant communication of what was going on in the House. I think seriously it would save time; and I have matured an excellent plan, which I am prepared to carry out whenever I can persuade my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give me the money.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

In answer to the First Commissioner of Works— [Cries of "Order !"]

MR. RADCLIFFE COOKE

What would be the cost of the plan?

MR. PLUNKET

I do not think it is an extravagant cost—£500 the first year, and £400 a-year afterwards to keep up the service.

MR. DILLON

I beg to give Notice that if any such proposal is brought forward I shall give it my most strenuous opposition.

MR. W. H. JAMES (Gateshead)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If be can state whether he is aware that The United Ireland is excluded from the newspapers in the Members' Reading Room; and, will he use his influence for the purpose of providing a few copies for the use of Members in the proper quarter?

The FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. Smith) (Strand, Westminster)

In answer to the hon. Gentleman, I may say that the Serjeant-at-Arms will make arrangements for the paper to be taken in, if he should understand it to be the general wish of the Members of the House that he should do so.

MR. HANDEL COSSHAM (Bristol, E.)

asked, why there were so few copies of The Pall Mall Gazette?

MR. W. H. SMITH

said, it was not in his power to give an answer to a Question like that. It was a matter of detail, and hon. Members had the opportunity of representing their views to the proper officials of the House.

DR. KENNY (Cork, S.)

asked, how was the general sense of Members on the question to be ascertained?

[No reply.]