§ MR. W. M'ARTHURI ask leave to move the adjournment of the House, in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance—namely, the condition of Mr. Conybeare's health.
§ * MR. SPEAKERI feel bound to make an appeal to the hon. Gentleman. The hon. Gentleman gave notice that he intended to move the adjournment of House; but I must point out that the Irish Estimates, including the Prison Vote, are down for to-night, and I think it is quite contrary to the Standing Order to bring before the House in this manner the condition of the hon. Member for Camborne, however regrettable that condition might be, when, within a very few hours, it will be competent for any hon. Gentleman to bring forward the whole question. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to ask a definite question on the matter, he will be perfectly in order; but I must refuse to put the Motion he proposes to make.
§ MR. W. M'ARTHURI am sure that you, Sir, and the House, will allow me to say that I still feel bound to ask the leave of the Chair to make the Motion 1670 on account of the very serious illness of my hon. Friend and Colleague.
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! I definitely refuse to put it, as I think it would be an abuse of the Rules of the House. The discretion in matters of this kind must rest somewhere, and if it does not rest with the Chair, I do not know where it rests.
§ MR. PICTON (Leicester)I wish respectfully to ask if it has not been the custom of the House in past times to pay special attention to the condition of any prisoner who might be a Member of the House?
§ * MR. SPEAKERI know of no difference with regard to the Standing Order between a prisoner who is a Member of this House and any other prisoner. I am obliged to comply with my plain and obvious duty.
§ DR. CLARKMay I ask the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the unsanitary condition of Derry Gaol, he will cause the hon. Member for Camborne to be moved to some other prison, the condition of which is such that a person can live in it?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am not prepared to admit, from the information I have received, that Derry Gaol is in an unsanitary condition. Of course, I shall be prepared to make a full statement in answer to any charges hon. Gentlemen may think it necessary to bring forward in Committee of Supply.
§ MR. CHANCE (Kilkenny, S.)Will the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements to take the Irish Prisons Vote first?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have not the slightest objection to do that if it is the wish of hon. Gentlemen from Ireland. My only object in arranging the Votes as they are at present was to suit the convenience of those hon. Gentlemen.