HC Deb 15 May 1896 vol 40 cc1446-7

Considered in Committee.

[Mr. J. W. LOWTHER in the Chair.]

MR. ELLIS GRIFFITH

called the attention of the Chairman of Ways and Means to the fact that, during the course of the discussion on the Agricultural Rating Bill on the previous night, the right hon. Member in charge of that Bill rose twice in his place and asked leave that the question be then put, while in the official account of the proceedings it appeared that he only did so once. He would, therefore, ask that some direction might be given to make the official account correspond with what actually took place.

* THE CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS (Mr. J. W. LOWTHER,) Cumberland, Penrith

In my opinion the right hon. Gentleman did not move the closure twice. He moved it on the first occasion, in the proper form, and I then declined to accept the Motion. Subsequently, the right hon. Gentleman exhibited indications—[much laughter]— of a desire to renew that Motion; and as, I suppose, he gathered from my appearance that I was not prepared to accept the Motion, he did not get as far as moving the exact words. Therefore, I directed the Clerk at the Table not to enter it.

MR. ELLIS GRIFFITH

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman did not rise in his place. [Cries of "Order!"]

* MR. J. W. LOWTHER

The right hon. Member certainly rose in his place, and that was what I intended by saying that he exhibited indications, but he did not make the Motion.