§ 48. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the feel- 1744 ing among all parties in the House of Commons that suspension for five days under the terms of Sub-section (2) of Standing Order No. 18 is an inadequate penalty for the gross affront offered to the House on Thursday last by the hon. Member for Peckham; and whether, in the circumstances, he will recommend to the House the extension of the period of suspension of the hon. Member for Peckham until he has offered a full apology to the House for his conduct?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMany representations have been made to me showing the strong feelings which are held by all parties at this gross affront to the House, and I feel that the House may well expect that the hon. Member will on his own initiative offer the apology which he owes to the House. But, as regards the penalty, it seems to me preferable in all the circumstances and after very careful consideration to abide by the action taken by the House under the Standing Order.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the Prime Minister aware that the hon. Member in question has added to his offence in subsequent interviews in the Press by justifying his conduct, except in so far as no discourtesy to Mr. Speaker was intended?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is so, and I have not omitted that fact in my consideration. But my view is that it would suit the dignity of this House far better to leave the matter at that than to have any further reference to it.
§ Mr. SANDHAMWill the Prime Minister inform the Opposition that the poverty-stricken cotton workers in Lancashire are looking forward to a settlement of the Indian question?
§ Captain CAZALETCan the Prime Minister say if the Government are willing to give the House time for a discussion of a Motion dealing with this matter?—[Suspension of Member,—That Mr. Beckett be suspended from the service of the House for the remainder of the Session.]
§ Mr. BENSONWill the Prime Minister realise that the more this thing is discussed, the more advertisement the hon. Member gets?