HC Deb 09 March 1928 vol 214 cc1393-4

Order read for consideration of Question: That the Resolution of the House of the 6th day of March relative to the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway (RoadTransport) Bill, the Great Western Railway (Road Transport) Bill, the London and North Eastern Railway (Road Transport) Bill, the Metropolitan Railway (Road Transport) Bill, and the Southern Railway (Road Transport1 Bill, which was ordered to be communicated to the Lords, and the Message from the Lords of the 8th day of March signifying their concurrence in the said Resolution, be read: That the Order [5th March] that the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway (Road Transport) Bill, the Great Western Railway (Road Transport) Bill, the London and North Eastern Railway (Road Transport) Bill, the Metropolitan Railway (Road Transport) Bill, and the Southern Railway (Road Transport) Bill be committed, be read and discharged, and the said Bills be committed to a Select Committee of Six Members, to be nominated by the Committee of Selection, to be joined with a Committee of Six Lords: That all Petitions in favour of or against the Bills, respectively, presented on or before the 30th day of March, 1928, be referred to the Committee; that the Petitioners praying to be heard against the Bull by themselves, their counsel, agents or witnesses, be heard and counsel be heard in support of the Bills: That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records: That Four be the quorum.

The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANS

I should like to explain that this is merely a Motion of machinery The House has already agreed in principle to refer these Bills to a Joint Committee, and this is a form of machinery to carry it out.

Mr. HARDIE

May I ask a question for information. Are we confined to the numbers as given here, that is to say, the relation between the Lords and Commons as far as representation on the Select Committee is concerned. May I move to increase the number to seven in order to get a better representation of all parties in this House. Shall I be in order in so doing?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not think that that can be done without notice.

Mr. HARDIE

Can I do it now?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not think that that can be done as unopposed business.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Can we object, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. SPEAKER

Yes.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I object.

Consideration deferred until Wednesday next, at half-past Seven of the Clock.