HC Deb 27 June 1899 vol 73 cc869-70

Order read, for resuming adjourned Debate on Amendment [26th June] to Motion for Committal to Standing Committee on Trade, &c. [21st June]:—

And which Amendment was— To leave out the words 'the Standing Committee on Trade, &c.,' and to add the words 'a Select Committee.'"—(Mr. Cohen.)

Question again proposed, "That the words 'the Standing Committee on Trade, &c.' stand part of the Question."

MR. M'IVER (Liverpool, Kirkdale)

I think this question ought not to be pressed to-night. It has come on quite unexpectedly, and those who, like myself, represent Liverpool and constituencies which are not in favour of this Bill, are all taken by surprise. I find myself in the position of being called upon to express in a few words why I think this Bill should be referred to a Select Committee. Now, a Select Committee can hear evidence, and the evidence which will be produced if this Bill is sent—as it ought to be—to a Select Committee will, I think, go very largely to bear out the views which are those expressed not alone by the Chambers of Commerce, but——

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

We won't press it to-night.

Debate further adjourned till Tomorrow.