HC Deb 05 April 1911 vol 23 cc2349-51
Mr. CHURCHILL

Mr. Speaker, I rise to a point of Order, and submit to you the fact that the hon. Member for the Skipton Division (Mr. Clough) on going out of the "Aye" Lobby in the last Division—I think for the second time this evening—was subjected to gross and organised insult. Having regard to the long traditions of this House, and that hon. Members use to each other courtesy when going about their business, I venture to ask you to express from the Chair some opinion which will secure adequate protection for the hon. Gentleman when he is coming into this House.

Mr. SPEAKER

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, I was not present when the incident to which he refers occurred. But in regard to what he has reported to me, I have to say I consider it is very improper. Hon. Members are entitled to pass from the Division Lobby without molestation, whatever opinion may be formed either of their political opinions or their views. Hon. Members are surely entitled to exercise the rights which they are sent here to exercise. And I would point out, in addition, that it is very inconvenient that the doorway should be blocked; it causes great delay in the Division.

Captain CRAIG

In connection with the point to which the right hon. Gentleman has called attention, may I ask you whether it is not the fact that frequently hon. Members desire to go into a certain Lobby and have been prevented by the Radical Whips, for certain purposes, from voting in the Lobby in which they desire to go?

Mr. SPEAKER

That also is very improper; but I cannot believe that any Whip would prevent the hon. Member from voting as he wished.

Mr. WALTER REA

May I ask you, Sir, in view of these continued unseemly disturbances whether the Colonial Secretary (Mr. Harcourt) when First Commissioner of Works had a scheme by which it would be possible for hon. Members to pass from the "Aye" Lobby through a new door into the outer Lobby without going through the present exit, and having these unseemly contacts between the two parties. I ask whether we have not in that scheme some means of escape from such a brawl as has taken place to-night?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for the First Commissioner of Works. If there is any possible means by making a fresh door to prevent the two streams of Members meeting at a particular point, that is a matter to which the Office of Works will attend, with a view to obviate the difficulty.