HC Deb 11 February 1891 vol 350 c427

Order for Second Reading read.

(5.34.) MR. A. O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

The object of this Bill is the same, or much the same, as the object of the Registration of Firms Bill of the hon. Member for Islington. That hon. Member has told me that the Government have assented to the proposal that that Bill should be referred to a Select Committee. I desire to ask whether the Government will assent to the same proposal with regard to this Bill? in which case I shall be willing to move the Second Reading for that purpose.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS, Birmingham, E.)

I am sorry to any I am not myself personally acquainted with the provisions of the Bill, and, in the absence of my right hon. Friend (Sir M. Hicks Beach), I am not able to assent to the Second Reading now.

(5.35.) MR. A. O'CONNOR

The two Bills are precisely the same in principle.

Second Reading deferred till tomorrow.