HC Deb 23 March 1891 vol 351 cc1675-6
MR. JACOBY (Derbyshire, Mid)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in consideration of the general desire of the House, and the great importance of the question, he will give a day for the discussion of the Eight Hours Bill for miners?

*MR. W. H. SMITH

It is not in my power to set aside a day for the consideration of the Eight Hours Bill for miners.

MR. PICKARD (York, W.R., Normanton)

Seeing that the right hon. Gentleman gave us strong hopes that we should discuss this Bill on the 18th inst., will he now re-consider his decision?

*MR. W. H. SMITH

I do not think the hon. Gentleman is entitled to say I did that; I only expressed a desire that the question should be discussed, and suggested a mode by which the Debate-could be brought on.

MR. PICKARD

Cannot the Government give a Saturday after the Easter holidays for the purpose?

*MR. W. H. SMITH

I am afraid that that would be a most unpopular proposal.