HC Deb 12 April 1875 vol 223 cc763-4

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clauses 4 to 8, inclusive, agreed to.

Clause 9 (Regulations for factory and magazine).

CAPTAIN NOLAN

said, he must object to so heavy a penalty as £50 a-day for a breach of the conditions laid down, and would contend that the effect of the penalties provided in the Bill would be to suppress all small manufacturers of gunpowder and explosive substances.

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

said, with regard to the objection of the hon. and gallant Gentleman, the penalties were reduced by the Bill below the point at which they had formerly been. In addition, he had to say that manufacturers had expressed their approval of the Bill.

Clause, verbally amended, and agreed to.

Clause 10 (General rules for factories and magazines).

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

, in moving to report Progress, said, he did not understand the procedure of the Government. It was understood that they were to deal that night with the important question of the nomination of the Select Committee on Banks of Issue, and many Scotch Members had been waiting to take part in the discussion on that Motion. It was now past 12 o'clock, however, and other Orders of the Day were on the Paper, so that there seemed little prospect of the Motion he referred to being brought on.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Mr. Campbell-Bannerman).

MR. DISRAELI

said, that the Orders of the Day would have to be gone through before the Motion the hon. Gentleman referred to could be reached, and then it would be too late to take it. The hon. Member, by pressing his Motion, therefore, would be interfering with whatever progress they could make with the Bill now in Committee, but would not be doing anything to advance the object he had in view. The Motion should, however, be fixed for to-morrow (Tuesday).

MR. ANDERSON

said, that the Scotch Members took a particular interest in the question, and only wanted to know whether the Motion was to come on that night or not.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause agreed to.

Clauses 11 to 109, inclusive, agreed to, with Amendments.

Clause 110 (Expenses of local authority).

CAPTAIN NOLAN

moved to substitute "poor rates" for "grand jury cess." The object of the Amendment was to provide that the cost of carrying out the Act in Ireland should be charged on the poor rate instead of the county cess.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

opposed the Amendment.

Amendment proposed, in page 65, line 27, to leave out the words "Grand Jury Cess," and insert the words "Poor Rates."—(Captain Nolan.)

Question proposed, "That the words 'Grand Jury Cess' stand part of the Clause."

Whereupon Motion made, and Question, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again,"—(Mr. Sullivan,)—put, and negatived.

Question put.

The Committee divided:—Ayes 59; Noes 25: Majority 34.

Clause agreed to, with Amendments.

Remaining clauses agreed to, with Amendments.

House resumed.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered upon Monday next, and to be printed. [Bill 115.]