§ The following Member took and subscribed the Oath: Reverend James Godfrey MacManaway, M.B.E., for Belfast, West.
§ Mr. BingOn a question of Privilege. The hon. Gentleman who has just taken the Oath was found by a Committee of this House to be a priest of the Church of Ireland. The Select Committee of this House were unable to decide whether or not a priest of the Church of Ireland was disqualified from sitting in this House. It is quite clear from innumerable precedents that this House has a duty not to admit to its deliberations any person who may not be a Member or permit him or her to vote in this House. Under these circumstances, I beg to give notice, if I may follow the tradition of the House in the ancient form, that I shall move tomorrow:
That the return from West Belfast be taken into consideration.
§ Mr. SpeakerI have allowed the hon. and learned Gentleman to give notice that he will move his Motion tomorrow, but that does not mean that I shall accept the Motion. In the meantime, I shall give it earnest consideration, and, therefore, without prejudice I allowed the hon. Member to give notice.