HC Deb 12 December 1922 vol 159 cc2891-2

Resolution reported, That, towards making good the Supply-granted to His Majesty for the service of the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1923, the sum of £9,254,076 be granted out of the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom.

Resolution read a Second time.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

On a point of Order. May I ask you whether there are precedents for moving the closure after such a short discussion as we have had upon this Unemployment Vote. It is a fairly important Vote and may I ask you whether there is a precedent for accepting that Motion when no fewer than 30 Members rose in order to continue the Debate. It seems to me that as we have sat all night we might have at least allowed the Members on this side, who feel extremely keenly on this question of unemployment, to have their say and also the Minister of Labour.

Mr. SPEAKER

That is not a point of Order. That concerns the Chair. It is a criticism of the House, which is never permitted.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Colonel WEDGWOOD

I do not think we can agree with the Committee in that Resolution. It seems to me that this is an opportunity for making some sort of protest against the action, not of you, Sir, in the Chair—

Mr. SPEAKER

This is purely a formal Motion arising out of money which has been voted by the House.

An HON. MEMBER

May we, Mr. Speaker, move the Adjournment on this? Surely we can do so.

Question put, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

The House proceeded to a Division.

Colonel Gibbs and Major Barnston were appointed Tellers for the Ayes; but, there being no Members willing to act as Tellers for the Noes,

Mr. Speaker declared that the Ayes had it.

Bill ordered to be brought in upon the said Resolution by the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr. Baldwin and Captain King.