HC Deb 12 February 1891 vol 350 cc574-5

Order for Second Reading read.

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

I understand that the hon. Member for Islington, who has a similar Bill on the Paper to this, was informed by the President of the Board of Trade that as soon as the Bill was read a second time the right hon. Gentleman would consent to its being referred to a Select Committee. What I wish to know is whether if this Bill is read a second time, the right hon. Gentleman will consent to its reference to the same Committee?

(12.6.) THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir M. HICKS BEACH, Bristol, W.)

I have no objection myself to refer this Bill, if read a second time, together with the Bill of the hon. Member for Islington, to a Select Committee; but I think the House ought to be informed that these Bills propose to inflict a penalty upon those firms which do not register their names, and that may be rather a serious interference with trade. I am not prepared to assent to the Second Reading of this Bill until the House has first assented to the Second Reading of the Bill of the hon. Member for Islington.

Second Reading deferred till Monday next.