§ Mr. SPEAKERYesterday the hon. Member for North Newcastle (Mr. Grattan Doyle) called attention to a grievance, namely, that questions which he had handed in had not appeared on the Paper. I have made inquiries, as I said I would, and I now find that one question was held up because it reflected on the capacity of one of His Majesty's Judges of the High Court, and, therefore, could not be put. Another question which was held up reflected upon the decision of the Kingston magistrates, which, in the judgment of the hon. Member, was not sufficiently severe. That question could not be put. The other question which the hon. Member complained was not down upon the Paper was, I find, the second question on a paper which he had drawn up and handed in. The paper was then a complete paper, and at the head of it was written, "Mr. Grattan Doyle, Wednesday." For the purpose of setting it up in type, the printer cut the paper into two parts, and, in order to carry out what he thought was the desire of the hon. Member, he wrote the hon. Member's name at the top, and continued, "Wednesday.' Therefore I do not really think the question was improperly delayed.
Mr. DOYLEI am very much obliged, Mr. Speaker, for the explanation. I was not aware that the two questions which did not appear were not drafted in proper form. Had I known that they were inconsistent with the rules, I, very naturally, should not have put them, and should not have mentioned the matter.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not a fact that, when a question is not put down on the Order Paper for the day, the Clerk of the House communicates with the hon. Member—as a rule, anyhow?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think that is so. I do not know why that was not done in this particular case.
Mr. DOYLEMay I further say, in extenuation of having transgressed, quite innocently, the rules, that, had I received any intimation that my questions were contrary to the rules, I should not have put them, and all this trouble would have been saved.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member probably raised the matter yesterday before the Clerk at the Table had had an opportunity of communicating with him. I should think that that is probably the explanation.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay we understand, Mr. Speaker, that it is not within the authority of the Clerk at the Table, but only on your authority, that a question can be refused?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI cannot look at every question. It is the duty of the Clerk at the Table to look through the questions. There are certain well-understood rules and principles, and he applies them. Should he be in any doubt whatever, he always comes to me on the matter.