HC Deb 24 February 1893 vol 9 cc399-400

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

COLONEL SIR E. S. HILL (Bristol, S.)

I have no objection to the principle of this Bill. Sailors should be properly fed, and this should not be left to chance. The scale in the Bill was not more liberal than had been used for years by many ships. But what I do object to is, that this Bill, affecting the vast shipping interests of the country, should be attempted to be rushed through Parliament without giving any opportunity for consideration. The Bill in question was only printed on Saturday, and could not possibly be in the hands of output shipowners till Monday at earliest, and it was put down for Second Reading on Tuesday. This is to treat shipowners with very scant respect, and I hope the hon. Member in charge of the Bill will not press for the Second Reading until due time for consideration has been given.

MR. J. H. WILSON (Middlesbrough)

hoped the hon. Gentleman would withdraw his objection. The Bill was brought in by the shipowners themselves. The Shipowner's Committee was in perfect agreement with it.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, Brightside

The Board of Trade has no objection to the Bill.

MR. J. H. WILSON

said, the Bill was promoted by shipowners themselves, and ought not to be objected to.

MR. COSMO BONSOR

asked that it should be allowed to stand for a week.

Second Reading deferred till Monday next.