They can bring
on Government Bills and in whatever order they please. On Tuesdays and
on Wednesdays the private member is master of the situation--that is to
say, until the Government of the day get leave of the House to take all
its time, and then the rights of private members disappear. On Fridays
also the private member is in possession of most of the time of the
sitting. That is the night on which the Government sets up Supply--that
is to say, puts down the votes for the money required for the public
service. It is a fundamental principle of the British Constitution that
the demand for money involves the right to raise any grievance; and
accordingly Supply on Friday night is always preceded by motions in
reference to any subject which any member may desire to raise. These
motions are put on the paper, but so inherent is the right to raise any
grievance before giving money, that a member is entitled to get up, and
without a moment's notice, raise any question which may appear to him
desirable for discussion. As a rule, however, there is but one question
fought out, and when that is decided the Government of the day is
allowed to go on to the votes for money.
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