HC Deb 03 August 1894 vol 28 cc114-5

Order for Committee read.

MR. BARTLEY

said, he objected. They had been sitting since 3 o'clock in close attention on a Bill, and it was time they went home to bed.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BRYCE,) Aberdeen, S.

appealed to the hon. Member to withdraw his objection, as the Bill was only a consolidation Bill, and that it was very desirable that it should pass without delay. The Bill was founded on a well-settled principle, to enable important reforms to be made in the Merchant Shipping Law.

MR. BARTLEY

I object.

MR. BRYCE

said, it was customary to allow Bills of this kind to pass without opposition. They were always taken after midnight. If the hon. Member carried his mind back to the last Parliament, he would find that when his friends were on the Ministerial side of the House these consolidation Bills were taken after 12 o'clock.

MR. BARTLEY

They were always objected to.

MR. BRYCE

They were always supported by the Opposition and allowed to pass. I venture to appeal particularly in regard to this Bill, because until it passes we cannot undertake some much-needed reforms.

MR. BARTLEY

rose to Order, and asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was entitled to make a speech after objection had been taken?

* MR. SPEAKER

said, he understood that the right hon. Gentleman was merely trying to persuade the hon. Member to withdraw his objection. Of course, if the hon. Member persisted in his objection, nothing further could be done.

MR. BARTLEY

said, that he must maintain his objection.

Committee deferred till Monday next.