HC Deb 16 June 1892 vol 5 cc1391-2

Motion made, and Question proposed, 'That this House do now adjourn."

MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)

I should like to call the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the undesirability of proceeding further with certain Private Bills which might provoke some opposition. I hope he will adhere to the understanding that Bills of this nature should not be taken when hon. Members interested are absent.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

I feel the extreme inconvenience of discussing opposed Private Bills, and I think they should not be proceeded with during the remainder of the Session. If I find that any Bill really meets with opposition I will endeavour, even before twelve o'clock, to prevent it being taken.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Derby)

I would just point out that I think it would be extremely unfair if Private Bills, except those that are not opposed, should be allowed to be proceeded with at the present stage of Business, because in that case hon. Members interested in certain of those Bills who might wish to be away would have to wait here during the days Parliament continues to sit on the chance of these Bills coming on.

MR. DIXON-HARTLAND (Middlesex, Uxbridge)

I hope the London School Board Superannuation Bill will not be allowed to pass as a Private Bill. It is one that affects many thousands of ratepayers in the Metropolis, and I do not think it should be allowed to pass.

MR. BALFOUR

The understanding is that the Government should oppose any private opposed Bill that came up after 12.30. But I entirely agree with the observation of the right hon. Gentleman opposite, that we have now reached a period of our Business when it would be absurd to discuss opposed Private Bills; and under these circumstances I shall endeavour, if the Business of the House to-morrow is concluded considerably before twelve o'clock, as I hope will be the case, to prevent any Private Business from being taken.

Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at ten minutes before Twelve o clock.