§ Order for Second Reading read.
364§ Motion read and Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ MR. CALDWELLWe have had no explanation in regard to this Bill. Surely after two o'clock in the morning the Government might give us some explanation of their Bills. It ought to be remembered on the other side that it is the privilege and the duty of the Opposition to discuss Government measures. By this procedure of pushing Bills through at this time of the morning, the Government are depriving hon. Members of a constitutional right. I am bound to point out to the Government that in introducing this novel method of preventing fair discussion they will not be able to complain if future Governments wore to follow their example. Therefore, we should have some explanation of this Bill.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThis is a non-controversial Bill, and there can be no objection to its passing.
§ MR. CALDWELLThe arrangement was made that the Bill might be taken, but that, if necessary, it should be discussed.
§ MR. HANBURYThe Telegraph Acts originally did not extend to the Channel Islands, and there is no means of protecting the Postmaster-General from injury by local undertakings. What is proposed by the Bill is to protect the Postmaster-General from hostile telegraphs.