§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Dodds.)
COLONEL MILNE-HOMEsaid, he had thought that the second reading of the Bill would have been opposed by the hon. Member for the Tower Hamlets (Mr. Bryce), who had placed a Notice of opposition upon the Paper; but as the hon. Member was not in his place, he (Colonel Milne-Home) would take upon himself the responsibility of moving that the Bill be read a second time on that day six months. The Bill, together with a rival scheme which had been introduced that Session, was of very great importance to the borough he had the honour to represent (Berwick-upon-Tweed); and it was in consequence of the opposition of that borough to the 1918 scheme contained in it that he felt it his duty to make this Motion. The two lines now projected would, no doubt, open up a similar district of country; but he did not feel it his duty to enter into all the various details of the two schemes, which were only fit for the consideration of a Committee upstairs, if either of the Bills went there. The scheme now before the House was very warmly opposed by the borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed. The connection which the proposed railway made with the main line to the North would divert all the existing traffic from the natural out-port of the sea at Berwick; and, knowing the wants of the district both north and south of the Tweed, he was clearly of opinion, without desiring to enter into further details, that the scheme was one which ought not to receive the sanction of Parliament.
§ MR. DODDS, interposing, said, that if the hon. and gallant Gentleman would allow him to interrupt, he thought it would save the time of the House. He had understood that all the matter in dispute had been arranged, and, therefore, he had moved the second reading. As that did not appear to be the case, he would withdraw the Motion for the second reading, and move that the second reading be taken on Tuesday next.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Second Reading deferred till Tuesday next.