HC Deb 02 August 1888 vol 329 cc1208-9
THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)

I desire, Sir, to call your attention to a point of Order in reference to an incident which took place in Committee on the Members of Parliament (Charges and Allegations) Bill. I find that that incident is described in the Votes and Proceedings of the House as "abuse of the Rules of the House." The circumstances are these—About 2 o'clock on Wednesday morning I moved that the Chairman should leave the Chair. The Chairman then rose, and pointed out that the matter, which I was then anxious to have debated, would be best discussed at the next Sitting of the House. The Chairman made no reflection on me, nor did he describe the Motion as an abuse of the Forms of the House. He simply stated that the balance of convenience was in favour of his not putting the Motion from the Chair. I find in the Votes of July 31 that my Motion is described as an abuse of the Forms of the House, which is a direct contradiction of the statement made at the time by the Chairman. The following is the entry in the Votes and Proceedings:— Mr. Sexton moved, 'That the Chairman do now leave the Chair;' but the Chairman, being of opinion that the Motion was an abuse of the Rules of the House, declined to propose the Question thereupon to the Committee.

MR. SPEAKER

I believe that the terms of the Standing Order require the reason for the Motion not being put to be specified. I must say, however, that I think, with the hon. Member, that there may be harshness in the form in which the record has been placed on the Votes, and I will endeavour to ascertain whether it cannot be put in some form less objectionable to the hon. Member.

MR. SEXTON

Thank you, Sir.

MR. SPEAKER

I may remind the hon. Gentleman that the incident he has referred to occurred during the time the Chairman of Ways and Means was in the Chair, and therefore I have no personal knowledge of it. I will, however, mention the matter to the hon. Gentleman when he is in attendance.

MR. SEXTON

I may add that the debate was adjourned immediately, so that the purpose of my Motion was attained.

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