§ *MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe)asked if, having regard to the importance of the matter, Mr. 316 Speaker would be good enough to make authoritative statement as to the precise procedure for the introduction of Members so that a newly-elected Member might meet with no obstacle in taking his seat.
§ MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire Mansfield)said the Clerk at the Table had accepted all responsibility for the regret-able oversight which prevented Mr. Harvey, the Member for North-East Derbyshire, taking his seat after due notice had been given, and Mr. Harvey wished it to be known that he attached no blame to anybody in the matter.
§ *MR. SPEAKERI cannot do better than refer the right hon. Gentleman to Standing Order 84, which directs that no debate or business shall be interrupted for such a purpose. Members must subscribe the oath either before the Orders of the Day or Notices of Motion have been entered on or after they have been disposed of. I do not know that I can add anything to that. If I am informed that an hon. Member is desirous of taking his seat I look to the Bar and make use of the usual form. In the case of Mr. Harvey, by a regrettable oversight, I was not informed that he wished to take his seat. The fact that the hon. Member was standing at the Bar was not brought to my knowledge, and the unfortunate delay occurred.