§ Mr. O'GRADYI would like to ask your advice upon a matter which is likely to be of very grave importance at present. I understand we are this afternoon to discuss a Bill to give Manhood Suffrage. I want to know whether it is possible for me to ask the House to accept a Motion to resolve itself into Committee for the purpose of discussing to what, after all, to my mind, is of much more importance at the present moment, and that is as to whether we can consider ways and means by which the transport workers' strike in London can be settled? I believe that if that were 1324 done this afternoon it would have that effect, or at least that it would bring employers and workers together and help to effect a settlement.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should have given proper notice of his intentions and first obtained the day from the Government. The hon. Member will see that the House has met here for the purpose of discussing a particular subject and all those who are interested in that subject are present here, whereas many hon. Members who would be interested in the subject which he seeks to have discussed have had no notice of it and are probably not here this afternoon.
§ Mr. O'GRADYOf course, the House had notice of the fact that we were to meet to discuss Manhood Suffrage, but certainly every Member of the House knows that there is a strike going on in London, and that unfortunately many women and children are being done to death in the East End of London. I submit from the point of view of public importance that the House would be better employed in discussing a matter of that kind than the matter of Manhood Suffrage, which may become law in another few years.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat may very well be, but I am afraid that the hon. Member must not ask my personal views on the matter. I am only here to carry out the orders of the House and the regulations as to procedure.