§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)Mr. Speaker—I rise to a point of order. There is a Bill of which I have given notice, but I was not here, because I understood that it would be competent for me to introduce it at the end of the proceedings of this sitting, but I am now led to understand that the First Lord of the Treasury yesterday-made a statement that Bills could be introduced first thing to-day. I, and I think a number of others, did not have an opportunity of hearing the statement of the First Lord of the Treasury; and what I would ask you is, whether I have an opportunity of introducing my Bill to-day, not having, by chance, had an opportunity of hearing the statement which the First Lord made yesterday? It appears to me to be very hard.
§ MR. SPEAKERI am afraid there is no remedy for it under the circumstances. A very large number of Members have brought in their Bills, and I am afraid the hon. Member must put it down for Monday. I do not think he will be in a worse position.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDThe First Lord of the Treasury should have given us notice. This was utterly sprung upon us.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH)Sir, may I offer an explanation to the hon. Member? All that I did was simply to draw 140 the attention of hon. Members to the provision of the Standing Order under which they were at liberty to introduce their Bills.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDMight I not introduce my Bill as is usually done at the end of the sitting?
§ MR. SPEAKERThe Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the Day.