HC Deb 28 February 1893 vol 9 c688

Select Committee appointed "to inquire into the Rules and Regulations under which Strangers are admitted to this House and its precincts, and to report whether any alterations in the same are expedient." — (Mr. Secretary Asquith.)

The Committee was accordingly nominated of,—Mr. Secretary Asquith, Mr. Bartley, Mr. Austen Chamberlain, Mr. Conybeare, Mr. T. M. Healy, Mr. Hozier, Mr. Shaw Lefevre, Mr. Roby, Mr. David Plunket, Mr. James Stuart, and Mr. Stuart-Wortley.

Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records.

Ordered, That Five be the quorum.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

asked whether "strangers" included ladies and members of the Press?

MR. ASQUITH

I would rather not be called upon to answer the question. I know there are authorities in the House who think the word should be so construed.

MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

said, he hoped the Committee would have power to deal with the question of ladies. As he had more than once raised the question, and as his name had been added to the Committee, he supposed that that question was to be considered.

MR. SPEAKER

We have passed the appointment of the Select Committee, and, therefore, the question of the appointment of the Committee cannot be raised now.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)

Would it be possible, Sir, to move a proviso extending the meaning of the word "strangers" so as to include ladies and reporters?

MR. SPEAKER

That would be in the nature of an Instruction to the Committee. If the hon. Member will put such an Instruction on the Paper it can be considered.