§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. JESSE COLLINGS,) Birmingham, BordesleyI move for an Address for Return, showing the number of experiments performed on bring animals during the year 1897, under licences granted under the Act, 39 and 40 Vic, c. 77, distinguishing painless from painful experiments (in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, No. 239, of Session 1897).
§ MR. J. G. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)Before this Motion is granted, Sir, although it is somewhat an unusual thing for any Member to oppose a Motion which has for its object the giving of information to the public—
§ MR. SPEAKERIs the hon. Member opposing it?
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI do not intend to press the matter to a Division, but I wish to make some remarks upon the Report as it is. Would I be within my rights in speaking upon the matter, or could I do so by the courtesy of the House?
§ MR. SPEAKERIf it is a debatable matter it ought not to have preference over other matters. Is it controversial?
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI am afraid, Sir, that what I have to say is highly controversial.