HC Deb 24 July 1894 vol 27 cc792-3
MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to put down the Amendment to the Mines (Eight Hours) Bill to carry out the intention announced by him, of providing that the penalty for contravening the Bill should not fall on the employer alone?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fife, E.

I will put it down shortly.

MR. D. A. THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)

May I ask whether the Amendment will be put down by the Home Secretary in his individual capacity or on behalf of the Government?

MR. ASQUITH

It will be put down in my name.

MR. D. A. THOMAS

And not on behalf of the Government? I think I am fairly entitled to have a definite answer as to that.

MR. ASQUITH

The independent attitude of the Government as a Government with regard to the Bill has already been explained by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I myself very strongly support the measure, and I have put down the Amendment because I think it will make the Bill a more practical and more workable measure.

MR. D. A. THOMAS

May I take it that this is the only Amendment the right hon. Gentleman considers it necessary to propose?

MR. ASQUITH

No, Sir; I do not pledge myself to that.