§ Mr. MAXTONI wish to move an Amendment to the Preamble—in page 2, line 21, to leave out the words "or stir up sedition."
§ Mr. MAXTONI am very much surprised that the ordinary courtesy of the House was not extended to me, as it is to other people, and that that information was not conveyed to me privately. I do not think that the fact that the group with which I am associated is small in numbers should deny us the ordinary courtesies that are commonly extended to others. I am bound to accept your Ruling, but I certainly would like some understanding from you as to the grounds on which your Ruling is given.
The DEPUTY-CHAIRMANWith regard to the first point which has been put to me by the hon. Member, it is not customary to inform Members as to whether their Amendments are in order or out of order, but it is always open to any Member to come and inquire if his Amendment is in order. The hon. Mem- 598 ber did not so inquire, and I only saw his Amendment for the first time this morning. With regard to the second point, I would point out that the Preamble is a recitation of the effect, not of this Bill, but of the Army Act. To bring this Amendment into order, it would be necessary to amend the Section of the Army Act which deals with the offences of mutiny, sedition and so on. No such Amendment has been made, and an Amendment to the Preamble of this Bill could only be consequential upon such an Amendment having been made.
§ Bill reported, without Amendment; read the Third time, and passed.