HC Deb 17 December 1908 vol 198 cc2154-5
SIR C. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)

having asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he could make any statement with reference to the proposed reform of administration in India—

MR. JOHN O'CONNOR

said he desired to ask the Attorney-General for Ireland a Question, of which he had given private notice, concerning the prosecution in Dublin of an Irish Nationalist Member.

* MR. SPEAKER

Notice should be given.

MR. JOHN O'CONNOR

I have given private notice to the right hon. Gentleman.

* MR. SPEAKER

But not to myself in accordance with Standing Order? I call on Mr. Buchanan.

MR. JOHN O'CONNOR

I rise to a point of order. I beg to ask under what rule the Under-Secretary is making his statement.

* MR. SPEAKER

It is by general leave of the House. The circumstances are, of course, exceptional, and it is only by pleading such circumstances that the hon. Member can make his statement.

MR. JOHN O'CONNOR

The leave of the House has not been asked. When I asked my Question concerning the liberty of a Member of the House, you, Sir, ruled me out of order.

* MR. SPEAKER

This question concerns the liberties of 250,000,000 people.

MR. KEIR HARDIE

Is it not a fact that the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday that this statement would be made met with the general consent of the House?

MR. JOHN O'CONNOR

It is not on the Order Paper, according to the Rules of the House. I am surprised that the liberty of an Irish Member is not considered by hon. Members to be worth anything at all.