HC Deb 02 March 1893 vol 9 cc913-4

Order read for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [16th February], "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question again proposed.

Debate resumed.

MR. JACKSON (Leeds, N.)

I understand that it is the intention of the Government to refer this Bill to a Select Committee, and I desire to know whether it is intended to give the Committee power to take evidence? I hope the Government will also refer to the Committee the other two Bills on the same subject.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. T. W. Russell.)

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. ASQUITH, Fife, E.)

I trust that the hon. Member will not persist in his Motion. With reference to the question which the right hon. Gentleman has put to me, it is the intention of the Government to refer this Bill to a Select Committee, with power to take evidence. It is not our intention to oppose the Second Reading of either of the other two Bills; and if the House consent to give them a Second Reading, I should propose that all three be referred to the same Committee. I hope the hon. Member will not press the Motion for Adjournment.

MR. SPEAKER

It is adjourned by the clock. [It was striking 12.]

It being midnight, the Motion for the Adjournment of the Debate lapsed, and the Debate stood adjourned.