HC Deb 19 August 1887 vol 319 cc1250-1

(Mr. Secretary Matthews, Mr. Stuart-Wortley.)

COMMITTEE. [Progress 17th August.]

Bill considered in Committee.

MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

May I ask the Government on what day they expect the consideration of the new clauses to be resumed?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

In answer to that Question, I can only repeat what I said yesterday—it is impossible for me now to name a day on which the Report of the Coal Mines Bill will be taken. The Bill must go through Committee, and I see no prospect of an early day for that unless hon. Members will accept the suggestion I have made, and waive their right to move new clauses, reserving it for the next stage. When the Bill has passed through Committee I will name the earliest possible day for Report.

MR. CONYBEARE

I was under the impression that an understanding was arrived at to make the next stage of the Bill the first Order of the Day, when we would discuss the new clauses. So far as I am concerned, I am ready to fall in with that view, if the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Burt) and others interested desire it. But I ask that it should be made the first Order on the earliest day possible.

MR. W. H. SMITH

Yes; undoubtedly that will be so. I was under the impression that the hon. Member declined to accept that view; but if the Bill is allowed to pass through Committee, I will appoint the earliest possible day for Report, and make it the first Business of the day.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered upon Monday next, and to be printed. [Bill 383.]

MR. BROADHURST (Nottingham, W.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree to give the Bill precedence over the Allotments Bill? It has been got through so far with great labour and we are anxious that it should reach "another place" as soon as possible, for we have the gravest apprehension as to what may happen to it there.

MR. W. H. SMITH

I can give no more definite undertaking than I have given.