Cloture and Gag.

Patea Mail, 11 March 1882, Page 3

Cloture and Gag.

The French practice of “cloture” has now been adopted by the House of Commons. It is modified to this extent, that whereas the President of the French Assembly may, by his own arbitrary act, close a debate by ringing his bell and putting the question to a vote without another word being said, the new rule at Westminster is less arbitrary, by empowering Mr Speaker as president to put the question to a vote in this form, ** That the debate do now close” (or words to that effect). If there be more than 40 members against closing at that stage, the debate shall go on ; but if less than 40 be against closing, then “ cloture ” is declared carried, and the question under debate is put to a vote without another word. Readers who have forgotten their school French may get over the difficulty by reading “ cloture ” as equivalent to closing, or “ shut up.” The principle enables a clear majority to stop the idle chatter of an obstructing minority when talking against time. If a minority cannot muster 40 votes in favor of continuing a stonewall debate, that debate can be declared closed. Discretion is left with the Speaker to interpose the cloture whenever he thinks a debate is running into mere obstruction. Probably any member has power to move “ that cloture be now declared.” The Home practice is almost certain to be adopted in this colony.

A cable message this afternoon cancels the previous despatch, and hints that the cloture proposal was not adopted. Reuter has got ahead of the event. Prophesies are not wanted by cable.