§ MR. ISAACS (Walworth)asked the hon. Member for Dundee, as Deputy Chairman of the London County Council, whether, having regard to the unhealthy area lying between the Law Courts on the east and Drury Lane on the west, generally known as Clare Market, and to the opportunity that would be afforded, if such area were cleared, of obtaining suitable sites for the erection of artizans' dwellings, and, at the same time, of widening the Strand between the churches of St. Clement Danes and St. Mary-le-Strand, the County Council for London will take into their immediate consideration the desirability of introducing the necessary measure for effecting these two objects?
§ MR. HALSEY (Herts, Watford)Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to a point of order. This is the first time, I believe, a question has been addressed in this House to any hon. Member representing the new body, the London County Council, and I think it is not improper that the question should be raised before you, Mr. Speaker, whether it is in order to put a question of that sort. Referring to that book which we all go to when in doubt as to the proceedings of the House, I find that questions may be put to particular Members who may have charge of a Bill, or who have given notice to amend, or who are otherwise concerned in some business of the House, but the question which is now put does not come in any way under that category. Now, I know that of late years questions have been put to the Chairman and Members of the Metropolitan Board of Works, who were concerned in the administration of the Metropolis, and I have no doubt that it is in consideration of the London County Council having succeeded the Metropolitan Board of Works that the question has been put. I wish to point out, Mr. Speaker, that it seems to me—
§ *MR. SPEAKERIt is hardly necessary for the hon. Member to argue the point. When the London County Council was first instituted, I came to the conclusion that it would not be proper to continue the privilege of allowing questions to be put to members of that body who may be in this House, as was done in the case of representatives 713 of the Metropolitan Board of Works, and for this, among other reasons: that it would be impossible to draw the line between the Deputy-Chairman or any other Member of the London County Council and the representatives of the County Councils who might have seats in this House.
§ MR. FIRTH (Dundee)Mr. Speaker, I simply rise to say that I believe the London County Council will be well satisfied with your ruling.
§ MR. ISAACSI would respectfully point out, Sir, by way of explanation, that it was a great convenience to the five millions of inhabitants of London that questions affecting them should be asked and answered in the House by the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works, to which body the London County Council had succeeded.