§ SIR HENRY JAMES (Bury, Lancashire)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether it is the intention of the Government to move the Second Reading of the Bill for the amendment of the Factory Acts before Easter?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHWith regard to the Second Reading of the Bill for the amendment of the Factory Acts in charge 1363 of the Home Secretary, I should hope that after the Debate of Wednesday last on the Bill of the right hon. Gentleman the House may be prepared to give the Bill of the Government a Second Reading without very much discussion, for there was practically a discussion on the subject when the Bill of the right hon. Gentleman opposite was before the House. I believe the House desires that these Bills should be considered by the Standing Committee on Trade; and having regard to that wish, we hope to take the Second Reading of our Bill next Thursday, as we feel that we should be justified in interrupting Supply for a short time looking to the importance of the question. When the Bill is referred to the Standing Committee it may be possible to introduce into the Bill of the Government some of the proposals of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bury which are accepted on both sides of the House.
§ SIR H. JAMESWill the Bill be the first Order on Thursday?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI hope it will be possible to take the Bill the first Order on Thursday, looking to its great importance and considering that the question is one upon which there is no Party feeling, and that it is regarded with interest on both sides.