HC Deb 04 July 1938 vol 338 cc41-2
Mr. Thurtle

I observe that the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles (Captain Ramsay) is due to present at the Table to-day a Bill dealing with Aliens Restriction (Blasphemy), and I wish to ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether there is any limit to the number of times upon which a Member may introduce a Bill in the same Session on the same subject? I would draw your attention to the fact that last week the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles obtained the permission of the House to introduce this Bill under the Ten Minute Rule, and now, apparently, he is introducing exactly the same Measure by presenting it at the Table.

Mr. Speaker

I understand that the other Bill was withdrawn. This is not the same Bill.

Mr. Thurtle

If that be the case, may I submit to you, Sir, that this is rather a misuse of the procedure of the House?

Mr. Speaker

I understand that that was done in order to correct some mistake in the Bill.

Mr. Maxton

Do I understand, Mr. Speaker, that it is your Ruling that the Bill presented last week did not receive the First Reading in this House?

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid I do not understand the hon. Member.

Mr. Maxton

Let me put it this way. I am very anxious about this matter. Do we understand that the proceedings on the Measure last week have been completely abortive?

Mr. Speaker

What occurred last week was that the hon. and gallant Member had forgotten the names of the backers of the Bill. It is with my leave that he is able to introduce a new Bill.

Mr. Thorne

Do you think that a Member who is not in a position to name the backers of his Bill is good enough to represent people in this House?

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Are we sure that the hon. and gallant Member will not forget the substance of the Bill?

Mr. Gallacher

He not only forgot the backers of the Bill when he brought it in last time, but he forgot the subject of the Bill, and it is obvious that the hon. and gallant Member is not in a mental condition to introduce it.