§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. CALDWELL (Glasgow, St. Rollox) moved that the Order for the Second Reading be read and discharged, and that the Bill be withdrawn.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Order for the Second Reading be read and discharged, and that the Bill be withdrawn."
§ MR. SYDNEY GEDGE (Stockport)As my name appears on the Paper in connection with a notice of opposition to this Bill, I wish to explain the reasons which induced me to give it, I know that very strong reasons ought to be given to justify the House in rejecting a Private Bill on the Second Reading, because there is always an opportunity of having the measure fully discussed before a Select Committee. But the House is aware that Bills relating to electric lighting can be proceeded with by way of Provisional Order. In this case the authorities of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields have not taken the trouble to ask for a, Provisional Order, but have introduced a Private Bill. They have now withdrawn their Bill; but I think they ought to have given earlier notice of their intention to withdraw it. Notice was only given this morning, and, so far as I am personally concerned, I have come up expressly from the North for the purpose of opposing the Bill.
§ Question put, and agreed to.