HC Deb 15 June 1891 vol 354 cc497-8

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Order be discharged and the Bill withdrawn."—(Mr. Jackson.)

MR. MARJORIBANKS (Berwickshire)

I take the opportunity of expressing my extreme disgust and disappointment, and that of all interested in the subject, at the manner in which the Government have dealt with this Bill. At the suggestion of Lord Lothian I introduced a Bill giving effect to the recommendations of the Committee on this subject; but this Bill the Government opposed, and introduced a Bill of cheir own, identical in principle with mine, though differing in details. There was certainly not that opposition to the Government Bill which should necessitate its withdrawal; but I certainly said there were points of difference in the two Bills which required discussion, and I made the offer that the two Bills should be referred to one Select Committee. This the Government refused on the ground that it would simply delay the measure, though I am sure we should have advanced further than this Motion for withdrawal. Even now I hope the Government may consent to have the Bills referred to a Select Committee, with, the hope that the inquiry may facilitate the passing of a satisfactory measure early next Session. If the offer is not accepted, the blame for the delay must attach to the Government.

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. P. B. ROBERTSON,) Bute

The suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman is a hopeless one—that on June 15 we should send these two Bills to a Select Committee with the expectation that they will return for the House to dispose of them this Session. The delay with the present Bill arises from the determination expressed by the right hon. Gentleman to meet it with persistent opposition unless we agreed to read his Bill a second time, and send the two to that bourne from which so few Bills return at this period of the Session.

Question put, and agreed to.

Order for Second Reading read, and discharged.

Bill withdrawn.