TERMINATION OF MEMBER'S SUSPENSION. (Hansard, 17 October 1916)

§ The PRIME MINISTER

I beg to move, "That the period of suspension from the service of the House of Mr. Ginnell do terminate this day."

4.0 P.M.

In making the Motion which stands in my name I need hardly say that this House is always, on the one hand, most anxious to vindicate the authority of the Chair, and to protect it against any form of outrage or insult. On the other hand, it is equally anxious to accept, in the fullest sense and with all its natural consequences, an apology made by one of its Members for anything that perhaps may have been said in the heat of debate. I have received a letter from the hon. Member whose name is referred to in this Motion, dated 10th October. It is in these terms: Assuming that you are the proper Member to ask the House to withdraw the suspension which it, at your instance, voted against me last July, I shall feel obliged if you can see your way to do this in pursuance of a note which I have this day written to Mr. Speaker, in the following words:— 'I regret and apologise to you and the House for the conduct which led to my suspension last July, and desire to be allowed to resume my seat for the discharge of the public duties for which my constituents have unanimously elected me to Parliament.' In view of an apology so full and frank as that, I hope the House will not hesitate to restore the hon. Member.