HC Deb 27 June 1907 vol 177 cc103-4
MR. JAMES CAMPBELL (Dublin University)

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland what steps, if any, he proposes to take with reference to the persons alleged to be implicated in the agrarian disturbances; at Roscrea; and whether, having regard to the action of the local justices, he proposes to proceed in this case by indictment at the assizes.

MR. CHERRY

The evidence in this case is to be submitted to me, and I shall then consider the question whether further proceedings are to be taken.

This Question had appealed on the Paper without any name attached to it.

MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)

asked if it was in order for Questions to appear on the Paper anonymously.

*MR. SPEAKER

It was not intended to be anonymous.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Is it in order for an hon. Gentleman to hand in a typewritten Question without putting any name to it? It has occurred more than once, and typewritten Questions had been handed round these benches and put down, and then some hon. Member has assumed the paternity at the proper time.

*MR. SPEAKER

This Question was not typewritten. It sometimes happens that in the hurry of the moment an hon. Gentleman hands in a Question and omits to attach his name to it. Such Questions are bound to appear, and it is only when they do so that the hon. Member discovers his omission.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is it right for the clerks to receive a Question without the name? Does not every Question on the Paper have to be vouched for by the clerks?

*MR. SPEAKER

I think the hon. Member himself would be the first to blame the clerks if they did not put his Question or notice in the Votes and Proceedings under such circumstances.

MR. SWIFT MACNKILL

I never make the mistake. I want to know as a point of order if it is proper for the clerks to accept a Question without knowing who is the author?

*MR. SPEAKER

The Answer is in the affirmative.

MR. LEIF JONES

Is it not the duty of the clerks to see that the name is attached?

*MR. SPEAKER

Certainly, but sometimes an hon. Member is slightly impatient, and goes away before the clerk has had time to notice the omission.