§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Second Reading be deferred till Thursday."
§ MR. J. G. TALBOTsaid, this was, perhaps, one of the most important measures which had been brought in this year, and it had been put down every day since the first day of the Session. He did not know whether there was anyone on the Treasury Bench who could answer for the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Chamberlain); but, if there was, he should like to ask for an assurance that the Bill would not be taken without Notice, and that, when it was taken, it would be the first Order of the Day. If it was not convenient for the Government to give an answer now he would repeat the question on Thursday.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTsaid, the Order of the Day would be deferred until Thursday.
§ MR. J. G. TALBOTsaid, it was important that the country should have time to consider the Bill.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTsaid, that ample Notice would be given before the Bill was brought on. As for its being considered in the country, its purport was well known, and had been pretty generally discussed.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Second Reading deferred till Thursday.