§ Mr. W. P. BYLESI rise to ask the Prime Minister a question of which I have given him private notice, whether his attention has been drawn to a recent speech of the Leader of the Opposition casting very grave reflections upon the honour and probity of a Member of the Government, and whether he proposes to take any action?
§ Mr. SPEAKERQuestions of that sort have never been admitted in this House with reference to disputes between Members on political platforms, and I see no reason why a new departure should be made because the two protagonists happen to occupy important places in the ranks of their respective parties. If we once begin admitting questions with regard to speeches made on political platforms, I am afraid our time would be very fully occupied, and we should have no time for the business of the country.
§ Mr. BYLESWill, you, Sir, allow me to explain that I sent a copy of this question to you a day or two ago as well as to the Prime Minister, so that I hope I have acted with due respect to the Chair.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI was very much obliged to the hon. Member. I think I asked him to put it on the Paper, so that I might see the terms of it, and I have been watching for it to appear on the Paper ever since.