HC Deb 11 April 1928 vol 162 cc1264-6

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Colonel Leslie Wilson.]

Mr. W. THORNE

On a point of Order. In face of this excitement now going on, will you adjourn the House for the time being?

Mr. SPEAKER

I can adjourn the House on the ground that a state of grave disorder has arisen, but I beg hon. Members not to compel me to do so.

Mr. SHINWELL

May I ask you a question, Sir? An appeal has been made to us by the Chair to accept the suggestion of the Leader of the Opposition that we should adopt an attitude somewhat different from that which is being adopted now. May I put to you this question—whether, having regard to the fact that the Government, on a very important issue last night, were defeated, they ought not to accept the consequences of that decision and give the pledge which has been asked for? [HON. MEMBERS: "Adjourn!"]

Mr. SPEAKER

If that were put to me as a point of Order, I should say that the Government have accepted the consequences, as they have already allotted one day of Parliamentary time to the question, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer has promised to make a statement to-morrow.

Mr. W. THORNE

It is perfectly obvious that you cannot go on with the business now, and I ask you to adjourn the House.

Mr. WESTWOOD

We, at least, on this side of the House demand an answer from the Government now. [Interruption.]

Mr. PRETYMAN

rose—[HON. MEMBERS: "Sit down!" and "Speak up!"]

Mr. MacDONALD

The unfortunate thing is that my Friends are following the precedent set by the other side. Might I appeal, in the interests of this House, to the Government to give us a more definite statement than they have done?

Mr. W. THORNE

You might as well adjourn, and let us get home.

Mr. SPEAKER

I think the proper course is to adjourn the House for the space of an hour.

Sitting suspended at Thirteen Minutes before Six o'clock and resumed at Seven o'clock.

Mr. SPEAKER

In view of grave disorder having arisen in the House, I exercise my power under Standing Order 21, and Adjourn the House, without Question put.

Adjourned at One Minute after Seven o'Clock.

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