§ (12.40.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)May I ask you, Sir, looking at the delay in forming a quorum, is it not within your competence to direct the Serjeant-at-Arms to require the attendance of Members who may be sitting on Committees, or others who may be wasting time in other parts of this building?
§ *MR. SPEAKERMembers sitting on Committees have had their attention drawn in the usual way, by the ringing of the bell, to the fact that the House was being counted with a view to form a quorum. If those Members please to come down from the Committee Rooms they may do so, but it would be a strong step on my part to interrupt in the way suggested what may be very important proceedings in Committee. I will, however, let those Members know that the House is waiting for a quorum. The Serjeant-at-Arms will inform Members of Committees that the House has been long waiting for a quorum.
§ (12.45.) Attention again called to the number of Members present, and a quorum found in their places.