§ MR. WATT, who was seated under the gallery on the Opposition side, rose to put a supplementary Question to the Question just answered regarding motor car legislation. Members of the Opposition immediately raised loud cries of "Order," and the hon. Member, after several attempts, was finally compelled to resume his seat.
§ * MR. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member would sit on his own side of the House he would catch my eye more readily.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)On a point of order, may I ask whether, if all the seats are taken on the other side of the House—[OPPOSITION cries of "They are not!"]—and if seats are vacant on this side—that is, seats on which no Member's card is put—is not any Member entitled to go and take one of those seats—and having taken a seat, is he not entitled to address the Chair from it as much as from any other part of the House?
§ * MR. SPEAKERIt is true that an hon. Member has that right—but whether it is always convenient to exercise the right is another matter. The space occupied by the Opposition is small, but there is no reason why it should be invaded.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDThat, Sir, is not the point I put. If an hon. Member unable to find a seat on his own side of the House comes over here and finds a seat unoccupied, is the fact that he has been crowded out of his own side and has found refuge here to deprive him of his right of addressing the Chair?
§ * MR. SPEAKERI have said that the hon. Member has the right, but whether it is always advisable to exercise your right is another matter, and I think that what has occurred this afternoon shows that it is not desirable.
§ MR. WATTagain essayed to speak, but the Opposition protest was at once renewed, and he was compelled to give up the attempt.