§ Order for Second Reading, read.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS BEACHI ask the permission of the House to make a short statement as to this Bill. The Bill has been introduced for the purpose of enabling the Board of Trade to enforce the adoption of certain precautions and certain modes of working which we regard as greatly in the interest of the Public Service, among them being the block system, the improved coupling system, and the substitution, where necessary for the public safety, of bridges for level crossings. I am aware that it will be quite impossible to pass the Bill this Session if it is really opposed. I have had several communications on the subject from hon. Members, and I regret to say that I have found very large and persistent opposition to our proposals with regard to the coupling system. It will, therefore, be impossible for me to proceed with that part of the Bill this year. If the Bill is read a second time to-night I will undertake in Committee to strike out the coupling clauses and to fix the Com- 1175 mittee for next week. I beg to move the second reading.
§ Postponed until to-morrow.