§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ (5.20.) MR. H. S. WRIGHT (Nottingham, S.)I rise to move the Second Reading of this Bill, and I regret that a measure so important to the industries of this country has been reached at so late an hour. The subject of this Bill was thoroughly threshed out last year, when the Second Reading of a somewhat similar Bill was moved by the hon. Member for Cirencester. A whole Wednesday afternoon was devoted to it, and its Second Reading was carried by an overwhelming majority namely 152, the figures having been 239 for and 87 against), and this rather in spite of the opposition of the Government. But now, instead of having the opposition of the Government, I believe they are favourable to the measure, and are convinced that the law requires to be amended and defined, in order to put an end to the state of chaos and confusion that now exist. The present Bill differs from the previous one essentially in that, instead of defining what machinery should be rated, it defines what should not be rated, thereby leaving everything as it is save the defined exceptions contained in the present Bill. The course now pursued was suggested by the Attorney General, and I believe, it has received the most favourable consideration of the Government. The object of the present Bill is not to exempt that class of machinery from rating which has hitherto been rated, but to prevent the threatened rating of what has not been rated in past years, and the rating of which would most seriously handicap English manufacturers in their competition with foreigners, especially with regard to textile fabrics. We want to make the law the same as it is in Scotland, where the system works very well. We want to draw a distinction between machinery, as it is commonly understood, and machines which are movable, the former being such as would be included in 1614 a mortgage of the premises, whilst the latter would pass by a bill of sale. Moreover, I should here like to point out that often in a lace manufactory a machine which is to-day worth £500 is perhaps not worth £100 a short time after, because of the introduction of some newer pattern. If the Bill does not sufficiently carry out the object I have described, we are quite willing to accept such Amendments in Committee as may make it more perfect. In fact, there is one part of the definition—that relating to special construction and adaptation of premises—which we think decidedly should be altered or omitted, as being ambiguous, and likely to lead to litigation, and we are already prepared with several suggestions to remedy this. I would point out to agricultural Members that their hostility to this measure might result in their having to pay rates in respect of the farming implements necessary to their industry, just as are the machines of lace manufacturers in our northern towns. Property owners who oppose this Bill, with the view of lightening the rates on their houses, should remember that a rate imposed on machinery to the injury or destruction of trade will eventually result, by the movement of population, in their property being rendered almost valueless. This Bill is only in protection of industries. If you want to rate personal property, let us have it all round. Begin at the right end—Consols, Debenture Stock, pictures, billiard tables, perambulators. Do not rate the tools of the blacksmith and the carpenter, because you might just as well do that as rate this class of machinery. If you do allow such rating to take effect you will earn the eternal gratitude of foreigners and anything but the gratitude of English manufacturers and the thousands of men, women, and girls they employ. I beg to move the Second Reading of this Bill.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ (5.28.) MR. W. H. JAMES (Gateshead)Sir, I can hardly congratulate my hon. Friend on the circumstances in which he has moved the Second Reading of 1615 this Bill, there being hardly time to touch even the fringe of a subject of great importance, involving as it does many complications of a legal and controversial character. The measure is essentially in the interests of English manufacturers, as could be amply proved were there time. It is an invidious thing to talk out a measure; but considering the range of the subject and the desirability of having all views expressed upon it, including those of the Government, I beg to move the adjournment of the Debate.
§ (5.29.) MR. T. H. BOLTON (St. Pancras, N.)Sir, as we have not had an opportunity of giving that consideration to the Bill which it calls for, I beg to second the Motion.
§ Debate adjourned till Tuesday, 7th April.