HC Deb 28 July 1902 vol 111 cc1370-1

[MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT.]

(2.50.) MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

I beg to ask leave of the House to move the adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance—namely, the composition of, and the scope of the reference to, the Commission appointed to inquire into the sentences imposed by military courts established by military law in the South African Colonies and Protectorates.

*MR. SPEAKER

I do not think that this is a definite matter of urgent public importance within the meaning of the Standing Order. It will involve a discussion of what are the subjects that ought to be referred to by the Commission—much too wide a question to be discussed on such a Motion.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

With great respect, Sir, I will ask leave to confine my Motion to the composition of the Commission, but I may mention that a Motion similar in terms to that I have asked leave to move was allowed on 5th July, 1900, in reference to the Hospitals Commission in South Africa.

*MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has had the advantage of referring to the record of that incident, which I have not; but still I must adhere to my ruling, for it appears to me these are totally different questions, the one being what enquiry should be made into the management of particular hospitals, the other a question that may raise a general discussion upon the whole administration of martial law at the Cape.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

In that case, Sir, will you allow me to curtail my Motion, so as to confine it to the "composition of the Commission?"

*MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member may ask the leave of the House, but in the event of its being granted he must confine himself strictly to the composition of the Commission.

The Motion was then put, That Mr. SWIFT MACNEILL be given leave to move the adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, viz., "the composition of the Commission appointed to inquire into the sentences imposed by military courts established under martial law in South African Colonies and Protectorates," but the pleasure of the House not having been signified, Mr. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and not less than forty Members having accordingly risen,

The Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 17, until the evening sitting this day.