HC Deb 12 August 1907 vol 180 cc941-3

Order for Second Reading read.

THE SECRETAEY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. SINCLAIR)

, in moving the Second Reading, explained that the Bill was similar to that which had just been before the House, and provided similar privileges for the women of Scotland. It had been through the House of Lords.

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

VISCOUNT HELMSLEY

said he could not understand why a separate Bill was need ed for Scotland unless there was some difference of which the House was not aware.

MR. SINCLAIR

replied that as the noble Lord was probably aware there was a different system of local government in Scotland from that in England and a different Bill was necessary to effect for Scottish women privileges similar to those granted to English women. He could go into a general disquisition on the subject but he did not think that it would serve the interests of hon. Members at that hour of the morning.

VISCOUNT TURNOUR

could see no reason for Parliament having been troubled with two Bills where one would have sufficed. He would not delay the House at that hour of the morning, but he would ask one question respecting Sub-section (b) of Clause 1 Were the exclusions mentioned in that subsection precisely similar to those in the English Bill?

MR. SINCLAIR

Precisely the same.

VISCOUNT TURNOUR

said he was of opinion that if there was a Bill specially referring to Scotland, there ought to be a Bill particularly for Ireland. If the right hon. Gentleman would give an assurance that this Bill coincided in every respect with the English Bill he would say no more, but he certainly thought that the right hon. Gentleman would have expedited business if he had included the Scottish Bill in the English Bill and had inserted separate clauses where necessary. He congratulated the right hon. Gentleman on having brought forward a Bill which apparently had the approbation of nearly the whole House.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time and committed to a Committee of the Whole House for to-morrow (Tuesday).