HC Deb 07 April 1902 vol 105 c1244

Order read, for resuming adjourned debate on Question [3rd March] "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question again proposed.

(11.53.) MR. CALDWELL (Lanarkshire, Mid)

objected that this was a breach of the understanding with the Leader of the House as to the business to be taken after the Licensing Bill. It was stated that after the Licensing Bill they were to take Supply. If that had been entered upon at ten o'clock, it would have taken the whole night. These were to be the only two pieces of business for the night. He was surprised that the Government, in the hope of making a little progress with this Bill, should break their own understanding with the House The Lord Advocate moved the Second Reading of the Bill, but up to the present moment he had made no explanation of its nature. The hon. Member stated that the Bill proposed to give the Secretary for Scotland powers with respect to two important grants. One was the medical grant given to parish councils in Scotland, and one of the principles of that grant was that it was to be a fixed sum of, £20,000 a year. The proposal in the Bill would entirely alter the method of payment—

It being midnight, the debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed upon Thursday. Adjourned at five minutes after Twelve o'clock.