§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in consideration of the fact that Committees of the House now sit simultaneously with the House itself, and that great inconvenience arises from the difficulty in reaching the House from the Committee Rooms in time for a division, he will consider the advisability of proposing an extension before 4 o'clock of the time prescribed by the Standing Order between the ringing of the bells and the closing of the doors?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)in reply, said, this matter was regulated by Standing Orders, which left considerable discretion to Mr. Speaker. It was obviously improper to interfere with the Speaker's discretion, and the Government could not make any proposal.
§ DR. FARQUHARSONasked, if the Government were aware, not only of the inconvenience, but even of the danger to which hon. Members were subjected in having to rush from the Committee Rooms for the purposes of a Division
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsupposed that the inconvenience and danger were incident to the position and the duties of Parliament. He was sure it was the desire of the Speaker to remove any danger and inconvenience to which hon. Members might be subjected.