SUSPENDED!

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6872, 16 July 1909, Page 5

SUSPENDED!

MR THORNE “NAMED 5 *

SCENE IN THE COMMONS WEST HAM MEMBER CAUSES A SENSATION. ACCUSED OP INSOBRIETY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 15, 10.15 p.m.) LONDON, July 15. During the consideration of the Finance Bill in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr E. G. Pretyman was speaking on Mr Dickinson’s amendment to the Finance Bill when a scries of interruptions by Mr Will Thorne, member for West Ham, led Lord Winlertou to remark that “ Mr Thorne is not in a fit state to participate in the debate.” Mr Thorne replied: “I am as sober as you, my dear friend.” Air Emmett, Chairman of Committee, ordered the withdrawal of Lord Winterton’s remark. A WITHDRAWAL. Lord Winterton: ‘‘ My sincere opinion is that the Iron, member is unfit to take part, but as you, Sir, rule otherwise, I withdraw.” The Chairman ; “I must ask Labour members not to keep on interrupting. ’ At Mr Keir Hardio’s instance the Chairman asked for a more formal withdrawal of the expressions used by the member for Horsham (Lord AVinterton). Mr Emmott said he had not heard that member say ho still thought Air Thorne unfit to speak, but had understood him as withdrawing. Lord AVinterton: “No other meaning could attach to my words. If Air Thorne is not prepared ” STRONG LANGUAGE. Air Thorne: “1 call film a liar.” Groat uproar follotved this interjection. The Chairman reminded Air Thorne that Lord AVinterton had withdrawn everything—— Air Thorne: “He is an absolute liar. I am as sober as any man in the House.” The Chairman asked for the withdrawal of this unparliamentary expression. Air Thorne; “I will do nothing of the sort.” A PARTHIAN SHOT. ' The Chairman then suspended Air Thorne for the rest of the sitting. Air Thorne, on quitting the House, and addressing Lord Winterton, said: “ Now, you walk out, and we’ll see whether you are as sober as I am.” Air Keir Hardie later assured the Chairman that Air Thorne had not tasted liquor during the whole of that day, and he had used the words complained of under extreme provocation. Air Hardie appealed to Air Emmott to withdraw Air Thorne’s suspension. THE AAIENDE HONORABLE. Lord Winterton then, amidst cheers, said that in view of Air Keir Hardie’s statement he was prepared to apologise to Air Thorne. Under the rules of the House the Chairman was unable to rescind the suspension.