§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Captain Margesson.]
§ 9.53 p.m.
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTI am aware that under the Rules of the House, this being a Supply day, it is not possible to proceed with the further Orders on the Paper, but I would like with great respect to point out what serious difficulties are created for many persons outside this House in respect of a Bill which remains on the Order Paper, and an opportunity of considering which would be afforded now, but for a technicality in the Rules of the House. The House willingly gives the Government all the time required for Government business and I respectfully urge that when the requirements of the Government are exhausted at this hour of the evening and when another hour remains, it should be possible for the House if so minded, to apply itself to other matters on the Order Paper. I sincerely and warmly protest against adjourning at this time especially having regard to one Bill which is on the Order Paper. The Bill which I have especially in mind is the Matrimonial Causes Bill. I do not want to 1646 detain the House unnecessarily, but they will allow me to say that I consider it a duty to make this protest in the interests of a matter which is causing grievous harm outside this House. There can scarcely be a Member here Who has not received from his constituents particulars of grievous cases—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and learned Member will understand that by the Rules of the House we are unable to take other business before 11 o'clock.
§ Mr. KNIGHTI am aware of that, and it is on that that I am making my protest.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and learned Member cannot protest against the Rules of the House.
§ Mr. KNIGHTWhat I am saying is that while that is the Rule of the House, by that technicality we are prevented from dealing with most urgent business which the country outside desires to take, and I enter my most emphatic protest.
§ 9.56 p. m.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Captain Margesson)I must point out to the hon. and learned Member that, even if this were not a Supply day, I should still have moved the Adjournment of the House as it is before 11 o'clock, otherwise other hon. Members of the House who would be unaware that this highly controversial Bill was to be debated, would find that the hon. and learned Member had moved it when they were not present. Therefore, whether it was a Supply day or not, I should still, on behalf of the Government, have had to move the Adjournment of the House.
§ Mr. KNIGHTAllow me to say—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and learned Member can only make one speech.
§ Mr. KNIGHTOn a. point of Order. With great respect, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has made a personal reference to myself, and I ask him to allow me to make a statement on it.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. and gallant Member replied to the speech made by the hon. and learned Member for South Nottingham (Mr. Knight).
§ Adjourned accordingly at Three Minutes before Ten o'Clock.