§ MR. PICKARD (York, W.R., Normanton)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can now arrange a day for the Debate on the Second Reading of the Mines (Eight Hours) Bill?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH, Strand, Westminster)The consideration of that Order cannot be taken until after the 18th of March, nor can I advance it. Under these circumstances, and as there is a reasonable probability that the Order may be reached by that time, I cannot say that I am yet in a position to give a day for the discussion.
§ MR. PICKARDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to say if he would be able to fix a day should the Order not be reached on the 18th of March?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI am afraid that to enter into such an engagement would merely be an invitation to prolong the Debate on the previous Order. It would be better for the hon. Gentleman to use his influence with other hon. Members to secure an opportunity.