HC Deb 09 April 1974 vol 872 cc163-4
Mr. Speaker

Sittings motion—

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

On a point of order. Are you not going to rule on my point yesterday, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

I said yesterday that I would communicate with the hon. Gentleman if necessary, and I will, if necessary, but not now. The Question is—

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I had understood that when a point was raised on the Floor of the House and Mr. Speaker had 24 hours in which to rule on it, he did so next day at 3.30. I have not received any communication from you. May I ask that you should rule on it now, as is the normal practice of the House?

Mr. Speaker

In that case, I will rule on it now. I have nothing to add to what I said at the time yesterday.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Further to that point of order—

Mr. Speaker

No, no.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Further—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have just ruled on the matter. There is no further point of order. The Question is—

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Further to that point of order. At no point, Mr. Speaker, have you told me or the House on what grounds the motion which I had handed in to the Table and which was accepted by the Table when I handed it in was refused. You referred to a section of Erskine May, which, incidentally is advisory, not mandatory, and which gives four different grounds. You did not specify on which ground it had been rejected. It had not been referred to you by the Clerks, so it was not rejected on your direction.

I drew your attention to the section of Erskine May which advises that a motion which is not grossly irregular should be printed, Mr. Speaker, and it is only right that you should rule on what grounds, if any—not a catholic collection of possible grounds that motion was rejected.

Mr. Speaker

I think that the hon. Member is making very heavy weather of this matter. It seemed to me that he accepted yesterday the force of that other passage. However, if he wishes, I will rule upon it, and I will rule upon it tomorrow.