On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Order. I cannot accept a point of order now.

I think it shocking that speeches in a debate like this should be interrupted by Black Rod in this way. I wish to ask you whose convenience it meets to have the debate interrupted at this time? If Black Rod has to come, why cannot arrangements be made for him to come either at a quarter past two, or when we reach the Adjournment tonight?

Tell him to go away. Tell him that we do not want him. It is preposterous. This is absolute nonsense and it is about time that it was stopped.

Whereupon The GENTLEMAN-USHER OF THE BLACK ROD being come with a Message, The CHAIRMAN left the Chair.

Mr. SPEAKER resumed the Chair.

Message to attend the Lords Commissioners:

The House went:—and, having returned;

Mr. SPEAKER reported the Royal Assent to:

1. 1. Finance Act 1964.
2. 2. Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act 1964.
3. 3. Universities and College Estates Act 1964.
4. 4. Films Act 1964.
5. 5. Hire-Purchase Act 1964.
6. 6. British Nationality (No. 2) Act 1964.
7. 7. Perpetuities and Accumulations Act 1964.
8. 8. Housing Act 1964.
9. 9. Adoption Act 1964.
10. 10. Resale Prices Act 1964.
11. 11. Protection of Birds Act 1954 (Amendment) Act 1964.
12. 12. Emergency Laws (Re-enactments and Repeals) Act 1964.
13. 13. Animals (Restriction of Importation) Act 1964.
14. 14. Shell Company of Australia Act 1964.
15. 15. Norfolk Estuary Act 1964.
16. 16. Saint Paul, Portman Square, Saint Marylebone Act 1964.
17. 17. Worcester Corporation Act 1964.
18. 18. National Provident Institution Act 1964.
19. 19. Saint Dionis Backchurch Church-yard (Amendment) Act 1964.
20. 20. Isle of Wight River and Water Authority Act 1964.
21. 21. London Transport Act 1964.
22. 22. London County Council (Money) Act 1964.
23. 23. London County Council (General Powers) Act 1964.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I crave your indulgence, for one second? This is not in connection with the issue on which we have just raised a point of order. My point of order is that at the time that we had a visit from the other place I and other hon. Members made a protest. At that time the Serjeant at Arms, who I understand normally stands at the Bar of the House, came and stood between two hon. Members of this House. It seemed to me—I am asking for your guidance, Mr. Speaker—that there was an attempt at intimidation of hon. Members. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] May I ask you whether the Serjeant at Arms is in order in standing this side of the Bar in the circumstances which took place?

The duty of the Serjeant at Arms is, under my authority, to go and collect the Mace at that moment. All he is doing is advancing there. I cannot believe that the hon. Gentleman felt very much intimidated.

I will not be intimidated.