§ MR. SETON-KARR (St. Helen's)I beg to ask whether the First Lord of the Treasury cannot see his way to allow the Debate on the Second Reading of this Bill to stand over until after the Recess, so that the Second Reading may be taken after Easter; or whether he intends to adopt the unprecedented course of forcing the Second Reading at a late hour on the eve of Good Friday?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEThis is a matter which the Government, under the influence of strong conviction as to what they owe to the people of England who are interested in the subject, and as to what the House owes, feel bound respectfully to press.
§ MR. TOMLINSONAt what hour does the right hon. Gentleman intend to move the Adjournment, so that Members may be able to exercise their immemorial privilege and raise various questions on the Motion?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEThe Motion will be made immediately after the Second Reading of the Employers' Liability Bill.
§ MR. TOMLINSONIn that case, if the Debate on the Bill lasts until 12 o'clock, the Adjournment will be moved in dumb show?
§ MR. SETON-KARRI hope the Government will put off the discussion on the Bill until after Easter. The measure is not opposed in any part of the House. As the right hon. Gentleman therefore is certain to get the Second Reading without any opposition, more time ought to be given for its consideration.
§ MR. BARTLEYIf the Debate on the Bill lasts until 12 o'clock, and the Motion to adjourn till Thursday is opposed and cannot be put, are we to sit on Good Friday?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEWe have been just informed from the Opposition side of the House that this Bill is not opposed, and therefore I entertain no doubt that there will be no disposition to prolong the Debate to such an hour as the hon. Member suggests.
§ MR. TOMLINSONThough the Bill is not opposed, there are a great many points which have not been raised as yet, and upon which Members desire to speak.
§ SIR F. POWELL (Wigan)Although the Debate has lasted some hours, only five Members have taken part in it.