HC Deb 07 April 1892 vol 3 cc964-5

Order for Committee read.

Mr. WINTERBOTHAM rose to move, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."

Mr. STOREY rose——

* MR. SPEAKER

A point of procedure arises here which is, I think, a new one. I feel it would be rather hard to insist upon the application of the technical Rule that there being no Instruction to the Committee before the House I should immediately leave the Chair. Two Notices of Instructions were placed on the Paper late last night. The hon. Member has rather complained that he was not informed of the objection to his Motion, but it is no part of the duty of the Clerk to call attention to the terms of a Notice of Motion. The Instructions are out of Order, inasmuch as they are mandatory instead of being permissive; but under the circumstances I think I should be straining the Rule if I did not allow an opportunity for an Instruction to be moved. I am conscious that in so doing there may be a little unfairness to the advocates of the Bill, but the circumstances are peculiar, and I think it will be convenient if I do not now leave the Chair.

MR. STOREY

I thank you, Sir. Shall I be in Order if I move now?

* MR. SPEAKER

No, the hon. Gentleman will give notice.

MR. STOREY

I will do so at once.

Committee deferred till To-morrow, at Two of the clock.