§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)said, he did not know whether the House would be disposed to take the second reading of the Bill. It was prepared in accordance with the Report of the Select Committee of last Session which inquired into the means of saving life at sea. Shipowners, skippers, and seamen had framed and submitted to the Board of Trade suggestions for the preservation of life on passenger ships, and the outcome was the Bill, the principle of which, he believed, would recommend itself to the House. He should be happy to comply with the desire of hon. Members interested in the subject by referring the Bill to a Grand Committee, or taking the Committee in the House with full opportunity for discussion.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Sir Michael Hicks-Beach.)
§ Objection taken.
§ Second Reading deferred till Thursday.