§ Bill considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee.)
§ Clause 1 agreed to.
540§ Clause 2.
THE MARQUESS OF CARMARTHEN (Lambeth, Brixton)said, that Clause 2 imposed a penalty on any person on board a British vessel for supplying, exchanging, or otherwise selling spirits to any fishing vessel. But France declined to come into the Convention under the Bill; and he, therefore, asked what security British traders in the North Seas would have that French vessels would not supply liquor indiscriminately there? He had had during the last few weeks conversations with men whose business it was to go to the North Seas trading in the winter, and they had expressed their strong objection to this Bill.
§ MR. HENEAGENo, they have not. The Bill was brought in at the request of the fishermen. As representing the fishermen, I would point out that this Bill is the same as the one introduced by the last Government, and any objection made to it now is sheer and utter obstruction.
THE MARQUESS OF CARMARTHENsaid, that the right hon. Gentleman might represent some fishermen. He himself did not claim to represent any fishermen whatever, and he had only been referring to his conversation with men who were bitterly opposed to the Bill. He thought it was somewhat unjust that the right hon. Gentleman should have made an attack upon him when he rose to speak on behalf of these men. He considered it was a gross injustice, not only to those men, but also to the people of this country, that French traders should be allowed to supply infamous liquor, while British traders were to be prohibited under a penalty. He therefore begged to move the omission of Clause 2.
§ Moved, "That Clause 2 be omitted." —( The Marquess of Carmarthen.)
§ Mr. Brunner rose in his place, and claimed to move, "That the Question be now put."
541§ Question put accordingly, and agreed to.
§ It being after Midnight, the Chairman left the Chair to make his report to the House.
§ Committee report Progress.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House will immediately resolve itself into the Committee."—(Mr. Mundella); but objection being taken;
§ Committee deferred till To-morrow.