§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ Debate arising:—
§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)This Bill is a very important Bill, and I strongly object to it being taken at a time when it cannot be properly discussed. I therefore beg to move that the debate be now adjourned.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the debate be now adjourned."— (Mr. Dillon.)
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.explained that the measure was a 1225 formal annual Bill, the provisions of which followed on the lines of its predecessors, and were not controversial.
§ MR. JONATHAN SAMUEL (Stockton)I think the House ought to have from the Secretary to the Treasury some explanation with reference to this Bill, because in addition to the nomination of the Commissioners it is proposed to write off a certain amount of money in connection with loans lent under Acts of Parliament. In Part II. it is proposed to write off about £2,700 for one man, and in Part I. it is proposed to write off about £1,500. It is very unfair that such an important measure should be moved so near twelve o'clock, and if the Treasury are going to write off about £4,500 of loans due to them it is a very serious matter——
It being midnight, the motion for the adjournment of the debate lapsed without Question put, and the debate on the Second Heading stood adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed to-morrow.