§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEI beg to move the Resolution standing in my name.
§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That the proceedings on the Motion for leave to bring in the Government of Ireland Bill, if under discussion at Twelve o'clock this night, be not interrupted under the Standing Order 'Sittings of the House.'"—(Mr. W. E. Gladstone.)
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)With reference to this matter I have to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, looking to the short time which has elapsed since the opening of Parliament, and seeing that this is already the third occasion upon which it has been proposed to continue contentious business beyond midnight, it is the intention of the Government to abolish the Twelve o'clock Rule altogether?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEI have no intention of proposing to abolish the Rule in question. I quite admit that upon two previous occasions this Session it has been found expedient to suspend the Rule, but the Motions then proposed have grown out of the special circumstances of each case, and did not, in any degree, imply permanent alteration of the Rule.
§ Question put, and agreed to.