§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Faweett.)
§ MR. CALLANobjected, as this was the first appearance of the Bill.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe Question is that this Bill be read a second time.
§ MR. CALLANsaid, this was the first day the Bill had appeared, and his objection brought the Bill under the Half-past 12 o'clock Rule.
§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCKsaid, he did not rise to oppose the second reading. At the same time, feeling as he did very strongly against the general principle of allowing Governments to undertake business for the sake of profit, he did not wish to allow the Bill to pass altogether without remark. He knew that in the opinion of his right hon. Friend there were special and exceptional circumstances in the present case; and, under these circumstances, and at so late an hour, he should not press his doubts further on the present occasion.
§ MR. CALLANasked whether he was to take it as the ruling of the Chair that this Bill, being objected to, did not come under the Half-past 12 o'clock Rule.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe Half-past 12 o'clock Rule applies to Notices of Motion; this is an Order of the Day.
§ MR. FAWCETTsaid, the Bill had been down since Monday and fixed for the second reading.
§ Motion agreed to.