§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ * MR. HOZIERsaid, he would like to know whether these quarries would come under the inspection of the late Postmaster of Cleator Moor?
§ MR. ASQUITHsaid, the quarries would come under the inspection of the Inspectors of Metalliferous Mines, because, although they were above ground, they were really mines.
§ MR. HOZIERsaid, the Home Secretary had not answered his question.
§ MR. ASQUITHsaid, the quarries would be inspected by the persons who had been appointed Inspectors of Metalliferous Mines.
§ * MR. TOMLINSONsaid, he objected to an important Bill of this kind being taken without notice. It was provided that there were to be special Rules framed for giving effect to the measure, and he did not think the Bill was one that ought to be passed without the House having been given an oppor- 548 tunity of properly considering whether these Rules ought not to be inserted in the Bill.
§ MR. ASQUITHsaid, he thought he could give the hon. Gentleman the assurances that he wanted.
§ MR. TOMLINSONasked whether the Bill could be taken at an hour when the House would have time to discuss it?
§ MR. ASQUITHsaid, yes, certainly; but that rested with the hon. Gentleman himself.
§ SIR M. HICKS-BEACHsaid, there were a good many chalk pits or quarries in his county which would be brought under the operation of this Act, and it might be necessary to see how they would be affected.
§ MR. ASQUITHsaid, if the right hon. Baronet would put down any Amendment or make any suggestion he would bear it in mind.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed for To-morrow.