HC Deb 05 July 1974 vol 876 cc904-5

Order for Second Reading read.

Hon. Members

Object.

Second Reading deferred till Friday next.

Mr. Bob Cryer (Keighley)

On a point of Order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. During the debate earlier today, when I was speaking, you directed the hon. Member for Brent, North (Dr. Boyson) not to speak from a sedentary position. As a comparatively new Member, I am amazed that you should permit other hon. Members to call out "Object" from a sedentary position. I wonder whether it could be made clear to the House which hon. Members, speaking from a sedentary position and without any articulation of reasons, have objected to the Abolition of Tied Cottages Bill, a measure which would have brought relief of suffering to hundreds of people evicted from tied cottages every year.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. George Thomas)

It is a long established custom and practice in the House for hon. Members to have the right to shout "Object" from a sedentary position only on this sort of question.

Mr. Patrick Cormack (Staffordshire, South-West)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Although a good deal separates the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) and myself, I believe that the submission which he has just made is extremely sensible, and I feel that it would be entirely appropriate if you, with your authority, would consider with Mr. Speaker and the appropriate committees whether there could be a change in this craven procedure which is now part of our custom.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

This is not a matter for me. It is a matter for the House on another occasion.

Mr. George Cunningham (Islington, South and Finsbury)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. May I suggest that nearly every practice of the House which is firmly established and long established is almost certainly wrong?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion in this place.

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  1. ADJOURNMENT 14 words
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