HC Deb 14 June 1893 vol 13 cc1039-40

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 1.

An hon. MEMBER

moved to report Progress.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."

MR. STRACHEY (Somerset, S.)

May I appeal to the hon. Member to withdraw his Motion? This is a very simple Bill of a perfectly permissive character, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that many county Members on this side support the Bill.

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

The Government have put down some Amendments to this Bill. They do not take the trouble to explain them, and yet they expect that the Bill should go through.

SIR H. MAXWELL (Wigton)

May I ask what is the attitude of the Government with regard to the Bill? They have appointed a Royal Commission on the subject it deals with, but they are absolutely silent with regard to the Bill itself.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. H. H. FOWLER,) Wolverhampton, E.

We are quite prepared to discuss the Bill; but, as an hon. Member had moved to report Progress, we did not wish to occupy time unnecessarily. We consider that one of the main features of this Bill, with reference to the granting of outdoor relief totally irrespective of the amount received from Friendly Societies, is before the Aged Poor Commission, and we think it desirable to await the Report of that Commission before this question is settled. We have, therefore, put down Amendments which would prevent the Bill infringing on the scope of the Committee's Inquiry, and would safeguard the position which the hon. Baronet (Sir H. Maxwell) takes up. If my hon. Friend declines to accept our Amendments the attitude of the Government will be one of opposition to the Bill.

SIR M. HICKS BEACH (Bristol, W.)

The right hon. Gentleman has said enough to show that legislation at such a time as this, and on such a subject, is utterly wrong.

MR. S. WOODS (Lancashire, Ince)

I was going to make an appeal to the right hon. Gentleman on behalf of the working classes of the country—

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

MR. Mellor, is this in Order?

THE CHAIRMAN

No; Progress having been moved, discussion must cease.

Motion agreed to.

Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Friday.