1818 Nov. 7

Parl. Reform Bill

Reasons

§.11 Vacancies supplied

4

Question 5. Why exclude Members from the capacity of exercising this function?

Answer

1. {Because} By the all-pervading supposition The whole time and labour of each Member is in constant demand partly for the public business partly for the particular business which may incidentally and at any time be furnished for the district for which he serves. If to the application of this rule the case of the Speaker is regarded as a necessary exception, it is by usage alone that the idea of the necessity has been produced, and the usage goes not beyond the case of the principal.

2. If a Member were capable of being appointed, this or that particular interest not conformable to the general interest might incidentally be served by the appointment. Suppose for example a Member unwilling to take the part which he is expected to take either in relation to the general or in relation to the local business: if he can agree with the Speaker, he obtains of the Speaker to appoint him Vice-Speaker for the time.

In the practice of filling the Chair by a person not entitled to a vote there is nothing that has not its precedent in Parliament. In the House of Lords where the Keeper of the Seals has not been a Peer, instead of Lord Chancellor he has been stiled Lord Keeper, and in this case though he has not a vote, he has not the less operated in the character of Speaker of the House.

Even in the House of Commons At the meeting of Parliament, antecedently and preparatorily to the choice of a Speaker, the chair is taken by the Chief Clerk.