§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)on a point of order, asked as to the arrangement of Questions on the Paper. He said that for a great number of years the right of asking Questions went according to priority, according as the Questions were handed in at the table, but some years ago with the general assent of the House, but not in accordance with any Standing Order or decision of the House, and at the request of the Prime Minister, all questions put to him were grouped at the end of Question term. But now that system had extended, and all reference to priority in handing in Questions was lost 910 sight of. He wished to ask whether that was not a direct violation of the rights of Members as settled by ancient custom. In his own case, although he handed in a Question last Thursday and saw it numbered sixty-three, it was to-day 110 on the list. He wished to know by what right lion. Members were thus deprived of their title to put Questions?
§ * MR. SPEAKERThe point was raised last Thursday by the hon. Member for South Donegal, and I am afraid I can add nothing to the reply I then gave. The arrangement was made for the general convenience, and the order in which Questions are asked is directed by the Prime Minister and those sitting on the Government Bench, who are responsible for these matters. I may remind the hon. Member that I suggested also that this was a Question which seemed to me a very proper one to go before the Committee on Procedure.
§ * MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal S.)May I—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order. The hon. Member is now occupying the time set apart for Questions.