§ Order for Committee read.
§ Objection taken.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI think if my hon. Friend were aware of the object of the Bill he would not persist in his objection. In 1888 I passed an Act to bring into force a Convention of Foreign Powers with regard to the North Sea Fisheries, the object being to put down the floating grog-shops. The Convention was not put in force, because the French Government did not find themselves able to agree with it. I understand the object of this Bill is to enable the Government to put it in force with the assent of the other Powers, excluding France.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, BrightsideAnd I may add that all the other Powers are waiting on our action.
THE MARQUESS OF CARMARTHEN (Lambeth, Brixton)I have a strong objection to the way in which we are being treated by the Government. I object to taking contested Business at this hour of the night, and therefore I shall persist in my objection.
§ Committee deferred till To-morrow.