§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Second Reading be deferred until Friday the 27th February."
§ (3.10.) THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE, Tower Hamlets, St. George's)I think it is very desirable that in regard to Bills of such importance as this an arrangement should be made to take them when they are put down on the Paper, or at any rate, that a longer notice of postponement should be given than the day on which they stand for Second Reading. Very often hon. Members are brought down here in consequence of seeing Bills in which they are interested on the Paper, and so far as Ministers are concerned it is most inconvenient to require them to be in attendance when it is intended to postpone a Bill.
§ (3.12.) SIR J. LUBBOCK (University of London)I am very sorry if the right hon. Gentleman has been put to any inconvenience. I may explain that the reason of the postponement is simply a desire to consult the convenience of the House. It is thought that if a few days more time are allowed arrangements may be made which will prevent a protracted discussion. I regret the inconvenience to which the right hon. Gentleman has been subjected, and I will undertake to inform him of the day on which the Second Reading will be taken.
§ MR. MORTON (Peterborough)I think the President of the Local Government Board should not complain of being brought here early, as it is the duty of Her Majesty's Ministers to set an example to the rest of the House by attending prayers.
§ Motion agreed to.