§ Order for Committee read.
§ Sir F. BANBURYThis is an allotted day for the business of Supply. Is it not the custom of the House, Supply having been disposed of, to at once adjourn? I think the Standing Order says that as soon as the business of Supply is concluded Mr. Speaker is to adjourn the House, and, that being so, may I ask why the House has not been adjourned?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Supply Rule has come to an end. The days allotted to Supply concluded when the last Vote of Supply was taken, and, therefore, the Supply Rule is no longer effective. It was designed for the purpose of enabling Members who desired to discuss Supply to do so during the whole night, and so that other matters should not be interposed to take up the time of the House. But all Supply now being at an end, the House can go on with other business.
§ Sir F. BANBURYThe Rule says that on an allotted day, as soon as the business of Supply is concluded, the House shall adjourn. I have always understood that if other business was taken the allotted day was lost. This is the 22nd day. If other business is taken on the 22nd allotted day that day will be lost, because it is still a day. The day has not finished. The day is before eleven o'clock.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe allotted day came to an end at Ten o'clock when I rose to put the Question. That is the end of the allottted day. The other allotted days lasted till Eleven, but the last allotted day only lasts till Ten.
§ Consideration of Bill deferred till tomorrow (Wednesday).