HC Deb 30 August 1926 vol 199 c6

At the end of Questions—

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

(standing at the Bar of the House): A Message from the King, signed by his own hand.

Mr. SPEAKER read the Royal Message (all the Members of the House being uncovered) and it was as followeth:

The continued cessation of work in coal mines on the 25th day of August, 1926, having constituted, in the opinion of His Majesty, a state of emergency within the meaning of the Emergency Powers Act, 1920, His Majesty has deemed it proper, by Proclamation made in pursuance of the said Act, and dated the 25th day of August, 1926, to declare that a state of emergency exists.

Captain BENN

Shall I be in order in moving "That His Majesty's Most Gracious Message be taken into consideration forthwith"?

Mr. SPEAKER

That can only be done by a Minister.

Captain BENN

May I remind you, Sir, that when I raised this question on an earlier occasion, you said I could move it if time could be found, and I ask you now whether it is in order to move it.

Mr. SPEAKER

Only by putting a Motion on the Paper, and then finding the time for that purpose.

Captain BENN

May I remind you, Sir, that no Motion on previous occasions has been put on the Paper, and that the Motion has been made orally at the time the Gracious Message was received?

Mr. SPEAKER

That was by a Minister.