Deputy Belton expressed a desire to raise on the Adjournment a matter arising out of Question 16. The consensus of opinion at the Committee of Procedure and Privileges at a meeting held last year was that matters involving policy should not be raised on the Adjournment, that procedure being an ineffective and unsatisfactory method which would lead nowhere. The purpose of raising a question on the Adjournment is to obtain elucidation of facts in individual cases. Furthermore, if the Deputy desires that a tribunal should be set up his proper course would be to table a motion for that purpose. In these circumstances, I am not prepared to allow a discussion on the Adjournment to-day.
Raising Questions on the Adjournment.
It is nearly one and a half years since I tabled a motion, and it has not been reached yet.
The Deputy cannot blame the Chair in that matter.
Is it your ruling, Sir, that the setting up of a tribunal to consider such a question affects policy?
The Chair has given a ruling. The Deputy surely realises that a wide question of policy is raised.
I only want to have the complaint heard.
Will the fact that motions which have been put down cannot possibly be discussed in the House in Private Deputies' time for a year or more, weigh with the Chair, when considering questions like this or, must the matter be again considered in the light of these facts by the Committee of Procedure and Privileges before you, Sir, alter your attitude in these cases?
The occupant of the Chair has to rely on his own judgment in giving a decision. On this occasion the Chair is further strengthened by the opinion of the Committee of Procedure and Privileges. The matter is closed and the question may not be raised on the Adjournment.