§ Motion made, and Question proposed "That leave of absence be granted to Mr. Round for one week on account of domestic affliction."—(Sir William Walrond.)
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)No doubt this is a very proper motion to make. But we must remember that there are other Members who are not attending the service of the House, and who have not obtained leave of absence. I believe that if a Member does not attend he can be sent for and brought up in the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arm—
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The hon. Member is not at liberty upon this motion to discuss the rules relating to absent Members.
§ MR. GIBSON BOWLES: I said the motion of the right hon. Gentleman was a very proper one, and I think such motions are far too rare. The single point I wish to make is that I cannot understand this motion being made in regard to one hon. Member for a week's leave of absence, when we know officially—
§ * MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not accepting my ruling.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESI wish to state, Sir, that in view of circumstances which are notorious in this House I think it not right that the right hon. Gentleman should make this motion in respect of one Member when he has not made it with regard to many others. I do not wish to animadvert on the rules of the House, but I do refer to the singular methods adopted by the right hon. Gentle- 1235 man in making this motion in one case and not in another.
§ Question put and agreed to.