HC Deb 26 January 1967 vol 739 cc1919-20

Motion made, and Question proposed, That, during the present Session, paragraph (7) of Standing Order No. 5 (Precedence of Government Business) shall have effect with the substitution, for the words after questions', of the words 'at a time and place to be determined by Mr. Speaker;' and any notice of a subject to be raised on a motion for which such a ballot is held shall, notwithstanding the practice of the House, be given at the Table or in the Table Office not less than nine days before the day on which the notice of motion is to have precedence: Provided that no such notice shall be given on a day on which the House does not sit. —[Mr. Grossman.]

Mr. Robert Cooke (Bristol, West)

On a point of order. It appears to me that the purpose of this Motion would be to take the Ballot for Private Members' Motions away from the Chamber to some place far removed from the public gaze.

Mr. Speaker

Order. Is the hon. Member seeking to elucidate the Motion or to oppose it?

Mr. Cooke

Perhaps I might just conclude by saying that it is because it would appear that this is what the House is being asked to do, to take this time-honoured practice of having the Ballot in the Chamber away, that I and many of my hon. Friends find ourselves objecting to this Motion.

Mr. Speaker

Objection taken. What day?

Debate to be resumed Tomorrow.

Forward to