§ The House met at a Quarter before Three of the clock.
§ The CLERK AT THE TABLE (Sir Courtenay Ilbert) informed the House of the unavoidable, absence of Mr. Speaker from this day's Sitting.
§ Whereupon Mr. WHITLEY, the Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table and, after Prayers, took the Chair as DEPUTY-SPEAKER, pursuant to the Standing Order.