§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I beg to move,
That, during the absence of the Deputy-Chairman, owing to temporary indisposition, the hon. Member for Newton (Sir R. Young) shall be entitled to exercise all the powers vested in the Deputy-Chairman, including his powers as Deputy-Speaker.I have it in command from His Majesty to acquaint the House that His Majesty, having been informed of the subject matter of this Motion, gives his consent thereto.Ordinarily, notice would have been given of this Motion, but these circumstances are exceptional. I regret to inform the House that the Deputy-Chairman is unable to perform his duties owing to his illness, which I hope will be only temporary. It was hoped that he would have been well enough to be able to come here today. As the House will be aware, Mr. Speaker is on an official visit to Paris, and I think it would be for the convenience of the House for me to propose this Motion to enable the hon. Member for Newton to act as Deputy-Chairman, which he has kindly consented to do if the House accepts the Motion.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Mr. Deputy-Speaker (Major Milner)I think, perhaps, I ought to say that such a Motion ought not to be regarded as a precedent, as it is usual to give notice, but the circumstances are exceptional.