§ *SIR C. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)said he wished to ask a question of Mr. Speaker relating to the order of proceedings in the House. What was the proper course to be followed on a Motion for the Adjournment of the House being made after Questions? Should not the pleasure of the House first be consulted before the question was put as to the hon. Member moving the Adjournment having the requisite support?
§ *MR. SPEAKERsaid that the right hon. Baronet had correctly stated the Standing Order, and the course he always endeavoured to pursue. But sometimes he was anticipated by the House. He always first put the question whether it was the pleasure of the House that the Adjournment should be moved, and the proper course for hon. Members was to retain their seats and say "Yes" or "No." If there was no negative the House was taken to consent generally to the discussion. Hon. Members might differ upon 987 the subject matter of the proposed discussion, and yet agree that it was a proper subject for discussion. So he hoped hon. Members would strictly observe the Standing Order, and, on the question whether it was their pleasure that leave be given, retain their seats, only rising, in case of a negative, on his putting the further question whether the hon. Member who wished to move the Adjournment had the requisite support.