NOTICES OF MOTION. (Hansard, 22 January 1924)

§ Mr. SPEAKER
I understand that there are a number of hon. Members who have not yet signed the Ballot Book. I think it will be right to give a little interval, so that they may have the opportunity of signing it.

§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENN
On a point of Order. We are balloting to-day for the right of private Members to introduce Notices of Motion—a great privilege 694 of private Members—but we are balloting for a day, namely, the 5th February, on which it is commonly assumed that this House will not be meeting. Standing Order No. 7 says due allowance being made for any intervening adjournment. I am well aware that this House has come to no decision to adjourn, but it is assumed, and commonly believed, that we shall adjourn until the 12th February. I suggest, therefore, that in your discretion you should allow the Ballot to take place for the 12th February, instead of the 5th—a day on which, probably, no sitting will be held.

§ Mr. SPEAKER
That suggestion reached me this morning from another quarter, but I found, on looking at the Standing Orders, that it was beyond my power to do that. Perhaps it would be as well to remind hon. Members that, although by the Standing Orders we must take the Ballot for the 5th February, from all appearances that day will not be a very good one. The other opportunities on going into Supply on the various Services will, of course, be effective. Those are bound to be taken, and the day on which they are taken cannot yet be fixed.

§ Captain BENN
Further on the point of Order. Will there be an opportunity for private Members to ballot for the exercise of their privilege on the 12th February of introducing a Motion to the House?

§ Mr. SPEAKER
No, I think not. A Ballot will be held on the 12th February, if we resume our sittings on that date, but that Ballot will be for the Wednesday next following and for three other private Members' evenings. There will be four dates for the Ballot, which we shall take on the 12th February.