HC Deb 19 July 1898 vol 62 cc435-6

"That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into and report upon the alleged grievance of the friendly societies in regard to the action of employers of labour in compelling their workpeople, as a condition of hiring, to join benefit clubs or societies established by the employers, and to cease their membership in any friendly society to which they may belong."—(Secretary Sir Matthew White Ridley.)

MR. WARNER

I shall be glad to hear from the right honourable Gentleman whether any time for consideration can be allowed for this important reference to Committee. This Motion is one referring to an alleged grievance of friendly societies, and I have no wish to place any obstacle in the way of the appointment of the Committee. I fully recognise its importance, but will the right honourable Gentleman kindly name a day when this matter can be brought on for discussion?

MR. GALLOWAY

When is this going to be taken? It was put down last night and did not come on, and I have waited here to-night, and now it appears as if it is not coming on.

SIR C. DILKE

I am sure that those of us who have Amendments down are most anxious that the matter should be taken, and we are prepared to sit here till any hour for it to be taken—whenever the First Lord pleases. We should have been quite ready to go on with it last night, and we are quite ready to take it to-night; but, of course, if anybody has gone away under the impression that it will not be taken, then we will not press it, but if the First Lord likes to take it on. Thursday evening—fixing it as late as he pleases—I believe there will be no opposition to its coming on for discussion.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

For my own part I am anxious to take this as soon as possible. At the same time I was informed through the usual channels of information that a promise had been made. I was quite unaware that it was a general wish that it should come on to-night, and I was informed that certain Members who take an interest in this Committee, anticipating that other business would take much longer than it has taken, had gone away. I will put it down as soon as I possibly can.

SIR C. DILKE

It will take some time—our only anxiety is, that we should have a fair opportunity of discussing it.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I think the best plan will be that I shall give notice to have this brought on as soon as we can, and at such hour as we can. Obviously it cannot come on to-night, as my right honourable Friend has informed us some honourable Members have left the House under the impression that it would not come on to-night.

MR. LAMBERT

Will the right honourable Gentleman fix a day?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I cannot fix a day in the present condition of public business. I cannot go further than this, that I will take it when I can. When that will be must of necessity depend upon how we get on with other business. I repeat I will take it the first night that I possibly can.