Captain CRAIGI wish to ask you, Mr. Speaker, a question as to the accommodation of the House—whether, in view of the fact that the Nationalist party is merged in the Radical party, you will give instructions that during the progress of the Home Rule Bill the Members of the Nationalist party shall sit on the Government side of the House?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWithout accepting the premise of the hon. and gallant Gentleman, I would point out to him that there would be considerable difficulty, to-day, for instance, in meeting his views. I see hardly a vacant place, and I do not see how it would be possible to seat seventy hon. Members on the Government side of the House.
Captain CRAIGArising out of that answer, Mr. Speaker, may I respectfully point out that the Nationalist party have publicly announced the intention that only half a dozen of their Members will take part in the Debates on the Home Rule Bill? [HON. MEMBERS: "NO, no."] Well, it is in the Press. Consequently, may not those seats be available for this party, which is increasing at every by-election?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have not seen the announcement to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers; but even if it be so, I take it that there will be a considerable number of Members of the Nationalist party who will be anxious to hear, if not to contribute to, the Debates.
Captain CRAIGIs it not a fact that the Galleries in the House that overlook the floor are available?
§ Mr. SPEAKERYes, the Galleries on either side form part of the House technically.