HC Deb 15 May 1893 vol 12 cc928-9
SIR J. WHITEHEAD (Leicester)

I wish to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state definitely when his Motion for the appointment of the Committee on Railway Rates and the Reference thereto will be taken?

MR. MUNDELLA

The Select Committee to be appointed to consider the subject of Railway Rates has now been arranged to the satisfaction of both sides. [Colonel HOWARD VINCENT: No.] Two Members have been added to meet wishes expressed on both sides, and in these circumstances I hope I may be allowed to move the Committee to-night. If it is not moved the responsibility will not rest with the Government, as they have done everything possible to meet the desires of hon. Gentlemen interested.

COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

There is a Notice of Motion in my name. I think it is absolutely essential that the right hon. Gentleman should himself be a Member of the Committee.

MR. MUNDELLA

I consider that the Department is the best judge of what can be done in that respect. I should like to ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it is in Order for the hon. Member to move me on the Committee without my consent?

*MR. SPEAKER

The consent of the right hon. Gentleman must be obtained.

COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

In the interests of the right hon. Gentleman's and my own constituents I hope to obtain that consent.

MR. BARTLEY

Are we then to understand the Committee will be moved to-night?

MR. MUNDELLA

Yes.

MR. BARTLEY

At what hour will consideration of the Government of Ireland Bill be suspended?

MR. MUNDELLA

At the usual time. The Motion will be made in the customary way after 12 o'clock.