§ MR. CHADWICKasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, having reference to the operation of the Rule of the House preventing Members proceeding with any business after half-past twelve, to which notice of opposition has been given, he will afford an opportunity to nominate without delay the Members of the Select Committee on the operation of the Companies Acts 1862 and 1867; whether, if such opportunity cannot be afforded, he will make the Bill for the Amendment of the Companies Acts, which has been read a Second time, a Government measure; and, whether, if neither of the before-mentioned suggestions can be adopted, he will consent to the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into and Report upon the operation of the said Acts?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, I must remind the hon. Member that the Rule of the House preventing hon. Members proceeding after half-past 12 at night with any Business to which Notice of Opposition has been given applies just as much to Government Business, except Money Bills, as to any other Business. As most of the Government Bills have Notice of Opposition placed against them it is very difficult for us to bring forward even Government measures; and, therefore, I could not undertake to add to the mass of Government Business which we have already upon the Paper, a Notice to nominate a Select Committee on the operation of these Acts. I hope, however, that an opportunity will be found 862 for the nomination of this Committee. On the same grounds, I cannot undertake to bring forward a Government Bill on the subject, neither am I in a position to recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the subject.