SCENE IN THE COMMONS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2554, 16 July 1909, Page 5

SCENE IN THE COMMONS

CABLE NEWS.

LABOR MEMBER IN TROUBLE.

SUSPENDED FOR THE SITTING.

United Press Association—Copyright

(Received July 15, 9.15 /p.m.) LONDON, July 15.

During the debate in committee on Mr. H.-W. Dickinson’s amendment to the Finance Bill, Mr. Pretty-man was speaking when Mri Will Thorne’s (Labor member for West Ham South) interruption , led Lord ■ Winterton (Conservative member for the Horsham Division of Sussex) to remark that Mr. Thorne, was in an unfit state to participate in the debate. Mr. Thorne replied: I am as sobor as you, any dear friend.

The Right Hon. R. A. Emmott, Lib"eral -member for Oldham, who was chairman, ordered the withdrawal of Lord Winterton’e remark.

Lord Winterton said: My sincere opinion is that the member is unfit, but as you rule otherwise I withdraw.

Mr. Emmott: I must ask Labor members not to keep interrupting. (Received July 15, 10.15 p.m.)

At Mr. Keir Hardie’s instance, Mr. Emmott asked for a more formal withdrawal of the- expressions. Ho had heard Lord Winterton say he . still thought Mr. Thorne in an unfit state, hut understood him to withdraw his remark. Lord Winterton: No other meaning could attach to my words. Mr. Thorne: I call him a liar! (Uproar.) Mr. Emmott: He has withdrawn everything. Mr. Thorne: -He is an absolute liar. I am as sober as any man in the. House.

Mr. Emmott asked" for a withdrawal of the unparliamentary expression.

Mr. Thorne replied: I will do nothing of the kind. Mr. Emmott then suspended Mr. Thorne for the rest of the. sitting.

Mr. Thorne, on quitting the House, addressing Lord Winterton, said : “Now you walk out and see whether you are as sober as I am.”

Mr. Heir- Hardin later assured Mr. Emmott that Mr. Thorne had not tasted liquor the whole day, and had used the words under extreme provocation. Mr. Keir Hardie appealed to the Chariman to recall Mr. Thorne’s suspension.

Lord Winterton, amid cheers, said that in view of Mr. Keir Hardie’s statement, he was prepared to apologise to Mr. Thorne. Mr. Emmott said that he was unable to rescind the. suspension.. %