§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)I hope the House will now read this Bill a second time. It does not interfere with the Law of Copyright—it simply is intended to facilitate small concerts given to the poor, without subjecting singers to a fixed heavy penalty for the singing of copyright songs. It provides that when a copyright song is sung a reasonable award of compensation shall be given in each case, to be awarded by the Judge and jury, and not an arbitrary and fixed sum which the law now authorizes to be claimed and compels a Court to award.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Bartley.)
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Cobb.)
§ MR. EDWARD HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)I think the hon. Member (Mr. Bartley) will agree to that Motion. ["No!"] Well, if he desires it, we must go to a Division; but he has nothing to gain by forcing us to go through the Lobby. I think he had better follow the example set Mm by the Government.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)We allowed the second reading of the Escheats Bill, on the understanding that no other Business would be proceeded with.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)I must support that view of what was agreed.
§ MR. BARTLEYGovernment Orders.
§ MR. JACKSONI take it as an understanding that the remaining Orders should not be taken to-night.
§ MR. BARTLEYIf hon. Members will promise not to block my Bill so that I may take it at a quarter to 6 I consent; otherwise I must divide.
§ MR. SEXTONIf Friends of the hon. Gentleman will take their blocks off my Bill I will.
§ Question put.
§ The House divided:—Ayes 45; Noes 31: Majority 14.—(Div. List, No. 393.) [3.50. A.M.]
§ Debate adjourned till To-morrow.