HC Deb 02 March 1893 vol 9 c916
SIR T. LEA (Londonderry, S.)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to ask you if it is in Order for the hon. Member for Mid Cork (Dr. Tanner) to cross over the House, sit on the Bench below me, and indulge in language which, if it is not an insult, is offensive?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I beg to say, Sir, that I have been sitting in my own seat for the last 10 minutes, and have been subjected to the most insulting observations.

DR. TANNER

As a matter of fact, I have never addressed the hon. Member once since I crossed the House. I came over here to speak to an hon. Member behind me. As a matter of fact, the hon. Member is in absolute error. When hon. Members who ought to sit on the other side of the House sit on this side and vote against the Government, I say I have a right to sit here.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I can only say, Sir, that during the last 10 minutes I have been subjected to these insults?

DR. TANNER

What insults?

MR. SPEAKER

Of course, the hon. Member is perfectly entitled to cross the House if he thinks fit, and to sit where he pleases. No Member, of course, is entitled to use offensive language, and I hope the hon. Gentleman will not use any language which gives offence to any hon. Member.

DR. TANNER

Certainly, Sir. If I used any language offensive to the hon. Member I call upon him to say what was the language I used.

MR. SPEAKER

I think it would be better that the incident should now close.

Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at ten minutes past Twelve o'clock.