HC Deb 13 August 1894 vol 28 cc877-8

Bill considered in the Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clauses 1 to 23, inclusive, agreed to.

Clause 24.

SIR M. HICKS-BEACH

said, his right hon. Friend (Mr. Chaplin) had notice of au Amendment to this clause; perhaps the Minister in charge would consent to suspend Progress until the next day, when his right hon. Friend would be in his place.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OK AGRICULTURE (Mr. H. GARDNER,) Essex, Saffron Walden

said, the Amendment was inadmissible, because this was simply a Consolidation Bill. Under the circumstances he hoped the right hon. Baronet would not stop the progress of a measure which was for the advantage of an interest the good of which the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Chaplin) had so much at heart.

MR. T. M. HEALY () Louth, N.

thought it right to say that if the Government allowed any change in a Consolidation Bill in the direction indicated by the Amendment then he should oppose the Bill. The only ground upon which the Bill could be allowed to pass was that it was a Consolidation Bill, and in no way trenched upon the existing law, but if that principle wore departed from it would become an opposed Bill to be included among those not to be proceeded with this Session.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) Derby

hoped the objection would not be persisted in. A Consolidation Bill such as this should not be made the means of introducing a most serious amendment of the law. The Bill was much desired by those entrusted with, the administration of the law and generally by I he agricultural interest, and it would be a misfortune if anything were done to prevent its passing.

MR. CONYBEARE () Cornwall, Camborne

said, he could quite understand why the Amendment should be refused to a Bill of this kind, and a similar objection would apply to a proposal he had to amend another Bill for the prevention of cruelty to children. He should certainly object to the discussion of au Amendment of the nature indicated.

SIR M. HICKS-BEACH

said, he did not like to press the objection, but it would really make no difference if the Committee were completed to-morrow, when his right hon. Friend would be present.

MR. CONYBEARE

said, he should be present now.

SIR M. HICKS-BEACH

said, that was not possible.

SIR W. HARCOURT

said, if there was any prospect of the Amendment being entertained he would not object to Progress being reported, but now if the light hon. Member for Sleaford were present the Amendment could not possibly be entertained in connection with this Bill.

* SIR M. HICKS-BEACH

said, he would not press his objection.

Clause agreed to.

Remaining Clauses agreed to.

Bill reported, without Amendment; to be read the third time To-morrow.