§ Order for Committee read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."
§ MR. VANCEsaid, he objected to proceeding with the measure at a quarter to six o'clock, when it was impossible to discuss it properly, especially as notice had been given of several important Amendments. He should move that the House go into Committee on the Bill that day week.
§ Amendment proposed, to leave out from the word "That" to the end of the Question, in order to add the words "this House will, upon this day week, resolve itself into the said Committee," instead thereof.
§ MR. MULLINGSsaid, he was extremely sorry that any further opposition was to be given to this Bill, which he considered was one very much required, and one which would confer great advantage upon the mercantile community.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, he hoped the House would agree that the Speaker should leave the Chair, and so advance the Bill a stage. It did not necessarily follow that the whole of the clauses would be considered, and the objections might be reserved.
§ Question put, "That the Words proposed to be left out stand part of the Question."
§ The House divided:—Ayes 146; Noes 25: Majority 121.
§ Question again proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."
§ MR. SCHOLEFIELDsaid, he should now move the adjournment of the debate. The Bill was one which seriously affected the mercantile interests, and it ought not to be allowed to pass through Committee 2293 pro formâ. His hon. colleague (Mr. Muntz), who was not now present, had very serious objections to it, and it was generally believed to be most injurious.
§ MR. SPOONERsaid, he hoped the House would allow the Bill to proceed to Committee that day. There would be ample time for hon. Members to bring forward their objections.
§ MR. I. BUTTsaid, it was clear that no progress could be made in Committee that day, and the only object was to advance the Bill a stage without opposition.
§ Debate adjourned.
§ The House adjourned at five minutes before Six o'clock.