HC Deb 31 May 1895 vol 34 cc722-3

On the Order for the Adjourned Debate on the Motion [30th May], That, in the case of the Glasgow and South Western Railway Bill, Standing Order 243 be suspended, and that the Bill be now read the third time—

MR. JAMES ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)

, explained that he opposed the Motion on Thursday, not because he objected to the Bill, but because he and other hon Members held strong views upon the question of Suspension of Standing Orders. Those Orders were intended for the protection of the House, and whenever their suspension was proposed, some statement ought to be made in explanation of the reason why that proposal was made. He felt very strongly that a Standing Order ought not to be suspended without very good reason. He hoped that those responsible for private Bills would in the future take the precaution, when they wanted to suspend Standing Orders, to give some reason for adopting that course.

MR. ALPHEUS MORTON (Peterborough)

said, he would like to know whether any explanation was to be given. He quite agreed that these Standing Orders ought to be respected. Therefore, with a view to having an opportunity of properly considering the matter, he moved that the debate be adjourned.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. J. BRYCE, Aberdeen, S.)

hoped his hon. Friend would not press the Motion. This matter was not in the hands of the Board of Trade, but of the authorities of the House, and his right hon. Friend the Chairman of Committees would have been here to explain the matter had he known that any objection would be taken. He gathered from his right hon. Friend that there was no question of any importance involved in the Motion. The object of it was merely to enable the Bill to get to another place at an earlier date. It then became occasionally necessary to dispense with the Standing Orders or to relax them in a proper case. He hoped his hon. Friend would not persist in his Motion.

MR. ALPHEUS MORTON

said, that under the circumstances he would withdraw his Motion, but he hoped that in future the House would have full explanations in these matters.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn, and Bill read 3°.