HC Deb 06 April 1888 vol 324 cc697-8

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Dr. Farquharson.)

MR. KELLY (Camberwell, N.)

said, he must oppose the Motion. The Bill was an old friend, and he regretted that it was very much in the form in which it appeared last year. He had some hope that those responsible for it might, on consideration, have recognized the great injustice they proposed to inflict on men who had very little power to help themselves—chemists' assistants. The Bill proposed to alter the whole status of that body of young men, who, under great difficulties, had got together money to qualify themselves as chemists' assistants, and afterwards to become chemists and druggists. If this Bill passed, these assistants would be deprived of all chance of becoming chemists and druggists.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)

rose, and called the Speaker's attention to the number of Members present.

MR. SPEAKER

There are obviously 40 Members present.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

I do not think so, Mr. Speaker.

MR. KELLY proceeded

What was the real meaning of the Bill? It was simply to place these unfortunate chemists' assistants bound hand and foot in the power of an irresponsible body called the Pharmaceutical Society, giving that Society the right to say that no man should be a chemist or druggist unless he attended their lectures, paid their fees, and obtained their certificate. He would not deny the necessity that the men should be fully instructed and qualified for their important duties, but that they were fully qualified the nature of the examinations they were required to pass left little room for doubt. He had the high authority of the Government Inspector, who, in reference to these examinations, said there was every guarantee of competency that candidates who passed might with perfect safety be permitted to exercise the calling of chemists and druggists, and that such a curriculum as was imposed by the Bill was not required, nor was there any reason why the burden of additional expense should be thrown upon the candidates.

Notice taken, that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present,

House adjourned at twenty-five minutes after Eleven o'clock till Monday next.