HC Deb 24 February 1893 vol 9 cc333-4
MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E)

I wish to ask the President of the Board of Trade a question of which I have given him private notice—namely, whether he still intends to move that the Railway Servants' Hours of Labour Bill should be referred to the Standing Committee on Trade, and what step he proposes to take to carry out his suggestion that my own Bill on the same subject should be read a second time, and referred to the same Standing Committee?

MR. MUNDELLA

I should have been very glad if the House had allowed a Second Reading to the Bill of my hon. Friend; but it is objected to, and I cannot compel the House to read it a second time. As the hon. Member knows, this is a question of great urgency; it is very important that the proposed Regulations should come into operation as soon as possible. If he will embody his proposals in the form of Amendments, they shall have most careful consideration.

MR. CHANNING

In view of the fact that the Bill will, in the opinion of many hon. Members, require amendment, will the right hon. Gentleman arrange to take it at a time when Amendments can be fully considered?

MR. MUNDELLA

Of course, if Amendments are put upon the Paper they will be taken at a time when they can be considered; but it is desirable that they should be put down in good time.

MR. CHANNING

I will put my Amendments upon the Paper to-day.