§ MR. DUNCOMBE (Cumberland, Egremont)In accordance with private notice, I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the 427 discussion that arose last evening on the question "That this House do now adjourn," he can give the House any assurance that the present method of dealing with private Members' Bills will receive the careful consideration of Her Majesty's Government with a view to a more satisfactory method being adopted?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI think there can be no doubt that some dissatisfaction does exist with the present method of dealing with private Members' Bills after the close of business at 12 o'clock and at half-past 5 on Wednesdays. But, though I recognise the disease, I have not been able to think of a remedy which would not entail greater evils on the House than the evils which I admit we do at present suffer from. I do not think it would be possible to carry out any reform that would not interfere with the 12 o'clock rule, and if there is a thing on the maintenance of which the House has set its heart it is that 12 o'clock rule. I am, however, quite willing to receive and consider any suggestion from my honourable Friend, or any Member, which may help to solve the difficulty.
§ MR. DAVITTHome Rule would be the remedy.
§ SIR T. ESMONDE (Kerry, W.)Will the right honourable Gentleman agree to the appointment of a small Committee to consider the matter?
MR. T. M. HEALYIs the right honourable Gentleman aware of the existence of great dissatisfaction with the treatment of private Members' Bills in the House of Lords?
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