HC Deb 06 March 1929 vol 226 cc521-4
Mr. JOHNSTON

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. In regard to Clause 70, an Amendment was on the Order Paper which was never reached during the Committee stage. It has been on the Order Paper on the Report stage, and I should like to ask for your Ruling as to whether a Clause, which is a declaration of intention as to what should happen in future Parliaments under certain hypothetical conditions, should not be ruled out of order altogether?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Resolution which was come to in regard to the allocation of time allotted to this Bill precludes me from dealing with points of Order in regard to questions arising on certain Clauses.

Mr. BENN

But, inasmuch as it is the function of the Chair to see that questions are not put which are out of order, would it not be right, under the Rules of Order and despite any Guillotine Resolution, for the Chair to see that no question is put from the Chair which infringes upon the Rules of the House?

Mr. SPEAKER

I am not putting any Question from the Chair, except Government Amendments, which the Resolution of the House lays it down that I am to do.

Mr. BENN

Nevertheless, and with great deference to you, I still submit that it is the function of the Chair to see that no matter is passed which infringes the Rules of Order and which is an outrage on the traditions of legislation in this country.

Mr. SPEAKER

I am putting no Motion from the Chair.

Captain GARRO-JONES

rose—

HON. MEMBERS

Sit down!

Captain GARRO-JONES

I am entitled to put a point of Order.

Mr. SPEAKER

Is it the same point of Order or something different?

Captain GARRO-JONES

I wish to put a different aspect of the same point of Order.

Mr. SPEAKER

I cannot deal with it.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Then I wish to ask you a question.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member must remain seated when I am standing. I have already told him that I cannot deal with that point of Order. I am precluded from doing so by the Resolution that the House has passed.

Captain GARRO-JONES

I wish to ask you a question on that point of Order. I am fully within my rights in doing so. I know what I have a right to do.

Mr. SPEAKER

I cannot deal with the point of Order now. Sir John Gilmour.