§ MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)It is proposed to postpone this Bill, and I desire to ask you, Sir, a question upon it on a point of Order. I wish to know in the first place whether, if I make an observation on the question of postponement, I shall lose my right to speak on the Second Reading when it comes on? Secondly, as it is questionable whether the Bill complies with the Standing Orders and can be brought on at all as a Private Bill, I wish to know if a Member will be precluded from taking objection on this ground through having assented to the postponement of the Second Reading to-day?
§ MR. SPEAKERThe question of locus standi could not be raised now; and as to the hon. Member's second point, he may speak on the question of postponement, but not as to the merits of the Bill.
§ MR. KIMBERThen, on the question of postponement, a great number of Members take an interest in the Bill. They do not object to the postponement, as they wish to suit the convenience of a right hon. Gentleman whose convenience everyone would wish to suit—namely, the Member for the University of London (Sir J. Lubbock). It is proposed to postpone the Second Reading to the 14th April, which is a Friday, and if the Prime Minister makes the same Motion with regard to business after Easter as that in force now the sitting will commence at 2 o'clock, which will be an exceedingly inconvenient hour for many Members who take an interest in the Bill, and who are prepared to speak on it. When I was informed by the agents of the London County Council of the intended Motion for postponement, I was told further that if we found it inconvenient to take the discussion at the commencement of a Morning Sitting the promoters of the Bill would assent to a further adjournment to a day that would be convenient. On that understanding I, for one, assent to the postponement.
§ MR. M'LAGAN (Linlithgow)That is agreed to.
§ Second Reading deferred till Friday, 14th April,