HC Deb 22 March 1900 vol 81 cc147-8

[SECOND READING.]

Order for Second Reading read.

SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

said that a fortnight ago he mentioned in the House that the private Members who had some reason to object to the Bill had withdrawn their objection. He had asked the Government to state from the reports of the Home Office inspectors what would be the effect of the Bill, and for a Return showing the number of children that would be affected by it.

SIR J. BLUNDELL MAPLE (Camberwell, Dulwich)

I object.

SIR CHARLES DILKE

said that all the other Members who were interested were agreed, but if the opposition of the hon. Gentleman were persisted in he thought it would be useless to trouble the House with the Bill further.

MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

appealed to the hon. Gentleman to withdraw his objection.

THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. JESSE COLLINGS,) Birmingham, Bordesley

The Government have no objection to offer to this Bill. We have had no statistics since 1887, and at that time the number of children who would be affected was just over 4,000. It is supposed since that time that in consequence of the disinclination of mine owners to employ children under thirteen, the number has been considerably diminished, and it is now believed to be about 3,000.

SIR J. BLUNDELL MAPLE

I consider this question ought to be discussed more thoroughly, and I object.

Second Reading deferred till Thursday next.