§ The DEPUTY-CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANS (Mr. Whitley)moved: "That the proceedings of the Committee on Group No. 5 of Railway Bills in respect of the Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, and Thornaby Tramways Bill [Lords] be deemed to be, and be, valid notwithstanding that a Member of the said Committee had failed to sign his Declaration in accordance with Standing Order 117."
§ Mr. WHITLEYI think the matter is very simple. The hon. Member for the Eccles Division (Sir G. H. Pollard) had been nominated by the Selection Committee as a member of this Committee, but he was unfortunately unwell and away from London, and in consequence did not get his papers. Therefore he was unable to sign the Declaration. He did not sit or vote, but nevertheless, in the opinion of the authorities of the House a Motion of this kind ought to be moved in order that no person shall be able to take objection to the proceedings of the Committee.
§ Question put, and agreed to.