§ MR. BELLOCasked the Prime Minister whether he would afford any facilities for a Motion for the re-admission to the House of the hon. Member for Colne Valley, in view of the fact that the procedure on the question of the suspension 2154 of Members was now in a state of ambiguity and confusion.
§ MR. ASQUITHI do not think at this period of the session, when the business of the House is so nearly finished, that there would be any advantage in giving facilities to a Motion to re-admit the hon. Member for Colne Valley. If earlier representations had been made that there was a desire that the House should express an opinion on the matter, I should have been glad to give an opportunity.
§ MR. BELLOCIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the Question was put down late because if it had been put down earlier it would have taken a partisan character? My object is to raise the general question of the position of Members who have been suspended and to prevent a precedent being laid down.
§ MR. ASQUITHQuite so. I quite recognise the object of the hon. Member. The rule, unfortunately, is in a very chaotic state, and it is high time the House did something to fill up the gaps in the Rules of Procedure.