HC Deb 03 February 1915 vol 69 cc92-3

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That, until the House otherwise determines, and so far as the House does not otherwise determine, no Public Bills other than Government Bills be introduced, and no Ballot be taken for determining the precedence of such Bills."—[Mr. J. A. Pease.]

Mr. PRINGLE

Before the Question is put, I desire to ask for information in regard to this Motion. At an earlier stage in the sitting, a point of Order was put to you, Mr. Speaker, as to whether the Resolution of the 4th November, 1914, extended beyond the 31st December last. In view of your answer, I desire to ask, first, whether this Motion will have any effect; and, secondly, if it has any effect, whether the passing of this Motion would prevent the printing of private Members' Bills?

Mr. SPEAKER

Under this Resolution no private Member can introduce a Bill. If he cannot introduce a Bill, it cannot be printed and circulated.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is this Resolution necessary, if the Resolution of the 4th November extends beyond the 31st December last?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not know that it actually is necessary. I think probably it was covered by the Resolution already passed, but I assume it was introduced for the purpose of making quite clear to the House what the state of affairs was intended to be. There cannot be any harm in passing it.

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask how a ballot can be taken for determining the precedence of Bills which under the Resolution cannot be introduced? Is not that so much surplusage?

Mr. SPEAKER

I did not draft the Resolution.

Sir J. D. REES

I was venturing to submit that the Resolution would require amendment in that respect.

Mr. LEIF JONES

Is it not the practice of the House to take the ballot before the Bills are introduced; and is not the Resolution necessary in order to prevent the House going through the useless form of balloting for Bills which cannot be introduced?

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved, "That, until the House otherwise determines, and so far as the House does not otherwise determine, no Public Bills other than Government Bills be introduced, and no Ballot be taken for determining the precedence of such Bills."