HC Deb 25 June 1890 vol 345 cc1907-8

Bill, as amended, considered.

MR. SEXTON

I regret to move the Adjournment of the Debate; but, under the circumstances, I hope it will be accepted. It will be observed that all the Amendments to the Bill stand in my name——

MR. SPEAKER

The lion. Member should formally move an Amendment before I put a Motion for Adjournment.

Clause (First election of representatives of chemists and druggists to council,)—(Mr. Sexton,)—brought up, and read the first time.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause be read a second time."—(Mr. Sexton.)

MR. T. M. HEALY

I am surprised that the lion. Member for South Belfast, with whom I thought we had a perfect understanding, should wish to proceed with the Bill now. We assented to the Bill passing Committee, making a pro formâ Amendment in order that there should be a Report stage, with the object of coming to an agreement between the chemists and the Pharmaceutical Society. Of course, it would not be right to refer to private conversation in reference to a public matter; but we did understand that the hon. Gentleman was willing to postpone the Bill, and it was our influence secured the passage of the Bill through Committee. We are not hostile to the Bill; we only desire to give effect to an arrangement which we hope may be arrived at with the Pharmaceutical Society—to reconcile conflicting interests. It is with that object that I now move the adjournment

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. T. M. Healy.)

MR. MADDEN

I hope my hon. Friend will accept the Motion. There are only a few remaining points of difference to be settled between the parties referred to, and, in fact, time will be saved by a present postponement. I hope that the points of difference will become fewer in the interval, and when the Bill comes on again, an arrangement will have been arrived at, and there will be no opposition to this useful Bill becoming law.

MR. JOHNSTON

It is but a reasonable proposition, and I accept it.

Question put, and agreed to.

Question proposed, "That the consideration of the Bill be resumed on Monday."—(Mr. Johnston.)

MR. SEXTON

I would observe that the Bill is entitled to a certain priority of position if set down for a private Members' day; but on Government days it will be blocked by the 12 o'clock Rule. I would, therefore, suggest that it be taken on Wednesday next.

MR. JOHNSTON

I am quite willing, but I thought it was the wish of lion. Members to take it on Monday.

Debate adjourned till Wednesday next.