HC Deb 05 August 1904 vol 139 cc1274-6

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

MR. TREVELYAN (Yorkshire, W.R., Elland)

said he thought it was very unfortunate that the Government should treat the House in this manner. It was thought that after dropping the Shop Hours Bill the Government would not have attempted to do any more business. A good many Members who had occasioned the trouble just now had not been in the Chamber since that unfortunate occurence took place, and he thought if this debate were to continue now and those Gentlemen were to return, and a little more excitement such as was shown by hen. Members opposite during that debate took place, the right hon. Gentleman would see what an unfortunate step he was taking in continuing the sitting. He trusted that in the interests of the peace and dignity of the House the Government would be content with the business already done, and would accept the Motion which he now moved, to report Progress.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress and ask leave to sit again."—(Mr. Trevelryan.)

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, Westhoughton

hoped he might make an appeal for this Bill.

MR. J. H. LEWIS (Flint Boroughs)

Why should we grant the appeal? We made an appeal, and it was not listened to.

LORD STANLEY

As soon as the Prime Minister returns we can discuss it.

MR.J. H. LEWIS

Why is he not in his place?

LORD STANLEY

said the Bill was purely uncontroversial, and it was necessary that it should go up to the other place as soon as possible.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OR THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

said he had not been able to speak twice on the Motion for the adjournment of the Debate. He had not the least desire to press upon the House in the somewhat exceptional circumstances in which they found themselves anything in the nature of a controversial measure. Hon. Members would observe that he had mentioned a future day for the discussion of those Bills which he thought would rouse any feeling. These were interests which all had in common, which really raised no question at all, and he thought perhaps the House would allow this Bill to be considered [OPPOSITION cries of "No"] for which there was a peculiar public reason. If they would consent to that he would immediately move the adjournment of the House.

MR. SOARES (Devonshire, Barnstaple)

Surely the Prime Minister understands, that every Bill is controversial after what has taken place.

MR. RUNCIMAN (Dewsbury)

said the Government had made it totally impossible for a large section of the House to assent to any further business being transacted during the present sitting. He suggested that if this Bill had to go to another place, the other place as well as they would have to sit a little longer. Under the circumstances the Government would be well advised to withdraw this Bill like the others.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

said he would not press this Bill.

Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Monday next.