HC Deb 13 March 1889 vol 333 cc1613-4

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire inte the subject of Sizing and Steaming in the weaving of Textile Fabrics, with especial reference to the conditions of the trade and the health of the operatives engaged therein."—(Viscount Cranborne.)

MR. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)

I appeal to the noble Lord to delay this Motion for a fortnight. I do so at the request of parties who are interested, and who are about to hold a conference in London. They wish to meet hon. Members who take an interest in this matter.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE (Lancashire, N.E., Darwen)

I have neither the wish nor the power to resist the appeal of the right hon. Gentleman. I may explain that we have taken action on a numerously signed petition. We wished to know what answer we could give to our constituents on this important subject, and we also desired to form public opinion. But I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not insist on a delay for so long a period as a fortnight, as the conference is to take place next Thursday, and it will be sufficient, perhaps, if the Motion is postponed till that evening.

MR. MUNDELLA

No; I must ask for a fortnight.

SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH (Lancashire, Clitheroe)

I hope the postponement for a fortnight will be agreed to, as there is a very strong feeling on this subject in the districts affected.

Debate adjourned till Thursday 21st March.

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