A significant statement was made by the Speaker of the House of Commons to-day, arising from an inquiry by Colonel Gretton (C) as to whether arrangements would be made to enable the House to continue session notwithstanding the absence of the regular staff responsible for the ordinary services of the House. The Speaker replying regretted that it was a fact that men engaged on the staff of the principal services of the House had been with. drawn.
He assured the House that he! would not allow it to be disabled from proceeding with its work by the action of any body of men (Cheers). If it became necessary he would conduct the House without any printing. or electric light.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.