HC Deb 15 April 1904 vol 133 cc347-8

[SECOND READING].

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)

moved the Second Reading of this Bill, with which hon. Members were familiar as embodying the recommendations of a Royal Commission for making the working of the Sunday Closing Act in Wales more effective. He had himself brought forward this Bill on ten occasions, and for fourteen years this amending Bill had been introduced into the House, and under those circumstances he submitted the overwhelming opinion of Wales was in its favour. No Bill could have a greater support from public opinion in the Principality, and the treatment of the measure by the House was of much political importance to Wales, where it was thought right that questions affecting the Principality alone should be decided in accordance with the overwhelming sentiment of the country. It was undoubtedly a farce that the people of Wales, feeling so strongly as they did upon this question, should not be allowed to work out, in the sphere of temperance, their own salvation.

* MR. WILLIAM JONES (Carnarvonshire, Arfon)

seconded the Motion, and urged the Government to give facilities for the Second Reading. He pointed out that when the Commission, presided over by Lord Balfour of Burleigh, inquired into this matter they found that the operation of the Act of 1881, so far as it went, was satisfactory to the vast majority of the Welsh people, and that the extension of its scope was urgently needed with more stringent provisions. The present Bill solely adopted the recommendations of that Commission, which was appointed by a Conservative Government. It had the voice of practically the whole Welsh nation behind it, and for those reasons he strongly supported the Second Reading.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. GROVES (Salford, S.)

moved that the Bill be read a second time that day six months, objecting to the inclusion of Monmouthshire in its provisions, and maintaining that the Sunday Closing Act had not decreased drunkenness, but had increased it. On that ground alone, and in the interests of true temperance, he opposed the extension of the Act to Monmouthshire.

And, it being half-past Five of the clock, the debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed upon Friday, 13th May.

Adjourned at twenty-eight minutes before Six o'clock till Monday next.