HC Deb 13 June 1893 vol 13 cc907-8
* MR. KEIR HARDIE

, Member for the Southern Division of West Ham, rose in his place, and asked leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the suicide of a Government employee, and the conditions of employment in the Victualling Yard at Deptford which led thereto;" but the pleasure of the House not having been signified, Mr. Speaker called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and less than 40 Members but more than 10 having accordingly risen,

* MR. KEIR HARDIE

I claim a Division, Sir.

* MR. SPEAKER

Certainly more than 10 and less than 40 Members stood up. If fewer than 40 and not less than 10 hon. Members rise in their places, the hon. Member can claim a Division, and then the House will decide on the Question being put whether or not the Motion should be made. That is, if the hon. Gentleman troubles the House to go to a Division, it will be for the House to say whether he shall have leave or not.

* MR. KEIR HARDIE

I will take a Division, Sir.

Question proposed, "That the Motion 'That this House do now adjourn' be now made."

* MR. SPEAKER

I have been asked to desire hon. Gentlemen who called "Aye" to stand up in their places. I am bound to say that I cannot do that. The Standing Order expressly contemplates more than 10 and less than 40 rising, and then it is competent to the hon. Gentleman to claim a Division. As he has acted under the Standing Order, I do not think I can hold that the Division is frivolously or vexatiously claimed, but the hon. Gentleman will observe that the minority is very small.

Question put, and negatived.