[BILL 141.] COMMITTEE. (Hansard, 15 June 1868)

§ MR. M'LAGAN
said, he should oppose the Motion on the grounds that the Report of the chemists to whom the Bill had been referred was directly opposed to that of the Committee of last year, and that certain Amendments had been lately put on the Paper which altered the character of the Bill, and made the igniting point lower than under the present Act, He moved that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee.

§ MR. HORSFALL
said, he hoped the Under Secretary would not consent either to withdraw the Bill or to refer it to a Select Committee. He was quite satisfied that the point of 100 which had been agreed on would be a sufficient protection to the public.

§ MR. GORST
said, he must ask for a longer time for the consideration. The Bill might either be postponed or referred to a Select Committee.

§ MR. AYRTON
suggested that the Bill should be put through Committee that night, then re-printed, and that a week should be allowed for the re-consideration of the Report.

§ VISCOUNT GALWAY
said, he hoped the Bill would not be referred to a Select Committee.

§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSON
said, it was admitted on all hands that some legislation on the subject was necessary. The substances proposed to be dealt with by the Bill were of a very dangerous character; and these oils were used in lamps sold at a very cheap rate, and used to a great extent by poor people. Great precautions were therefore necessary. The Bill was originally framed in accordance with the recommendations of the Select Committee of last Session; but it being urged by various deputations that the test proposed was too rigorous, the question was referred to chemists representing both sides, and to the chemist generally consulted by the War Office. The recommendations of these gentlemen had been adopted in their integrity, and he believed the measure as now settled would ensure perfect surety. The modifications which had been made would effect the same end as the more rigorous test originally pro- 1620 posed, while the machinery already in use would not have to be materially altered; and he had the authority of the Petroleum Association for stating that the trade would not be injuriously affected. If the House should decide on referring the Bill to a Select Committee he should be compelled to withdraw it, since there would be no hope of its passing this Session; but he hoped they would agree on going into Committee.