§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)said, when he introduced the Bill he promised that it should not be proceeded with until a sufficient interval had been allowed for the numerous alterations in the law in regard to weights and measures upon points of detail to be properly canvassed in the country. Numerous representations in reference to the Bill had been made to him by various trades, and notably by the baking trade. He expected to receive an important deputation on that subject to-morrow. In now asking the House to give the Bill a second reading, he proposed that the Committee stage should be deferred for a fortnight; and meantime he would place on the Paper those Amendments which, in deference to representations made to him, he would be prepared to move in Committee, so that hon. Members might see the shape in which the Government desired the Bill should become law. He would merely add that he could only expect to pass the Bill this Session if it met with general approval, and would not attempt to pass it against any real or strong opposition.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Sir Michael Hicks-Beach.)
§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)said, it might affect the attitude of some Members towards the Bill to know if the right hon. Baronet would in any way be likely to meet the views of the deputation he was about to receive?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHthought it very probable he might be able to do so.
§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)said, he should like to have an understanding whether there was any intention on the part of the Government to give their assistance, and to allow any Bills introduced by private Members to be proceeded with during the Autumn Sitting? The answer might affect the disposition of hon. Members towards Government Bills.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)said, this was a question that should be addressed to his right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Treasury; but his own impression was that it was understood only Government Business would be taken.
§ DR. TANNERobjecting to the Question being put,
§ Second Reading deferred till To-morrow.
§ House adjourned at ten minutes after Twelve o'clock.