HC Deb 04 July 1890 vol 346 c809

Subsequently:

MR. WADDY

said: Mr. Speaker, I appeal to you as guardian of the privileges of this House, and bog to ask whether it is not possible that some arrangement should be made by means of which the messenger of an assembly of co-ordinate jurisdiction with our own should be prevented from a course of action which I venture to call both abrupt and unseemly. The interruption which took place a few minutes ago, and which was made in that abrupt, harsh, and unseemly fashion, might just as well have taken place when any other Member was addressing it as the right hon. Gentleman who then happened to be speaking (Mr. Gladstone). It might have been the Leader of the House. I venture to think that would not have been a seemly thing or respectful to the House, and that some arrangement might easily be made to prevent its recurrence.

*MR. SPEAKER

I may say that the interruption is not altogether without notice, as three taps are given at the door, and the advent of the Black Rod is announced by the doorkeeper of our own House. If any means can be found which will tend to obviate the inconvenience referred to I shall be happy to consider them.

MR. SEXTON

Could not the opening of the door be delayed until a convenient moment?

*MR. SPEAKER

Our business is so continuous that it would be rather difficult to find a suitable opportunity to take that course. If the House wishes, I will communicate with the authorities of the House of Lords, and consider what can be done to avoid inconvenience.