§ COMMANDER BETHELL (York, E.R., Holderness)asked a question with reference to the rules of the House as to 166 bringing up new Bills on a First Reading. He had remarked, during last Session of Parliament especially, and also in this Session, that Ministers when they introduced Bills no longer went to the bar of the House, while other hon. Members were expected to comply with the formality. Since he had been in the House he had heard some of the highest authorities insist on the necessity of equality of Members on all occasions; and he respectfully ventured to bring this matter before the Chair now in order that this habit might not become crystallised into a custom. Would it not be better, therefore, that Ministers should be asked either to comply with the regulations of the House, or that steps should be taken to have the regulations altered?
§ MR. SPEAKERIf the House wishes it, I shall take care that Ministers are not allowed to curtail their journeys to and from the bar.
§ SIR A. K. ROLLITWill the same rule apply to other Members?
§ MR. SPEAKERI think any rule should be applicable to all.