HC Deb 29 July 1907 vol 179 cc693-4

Order for Second Reading road.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the order be discharged and the Bill withdrawn."—(Mr. George Whiteley.)

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

said that on that Motion he had one or two questions to ask. In the first place, in the long list of measures which the Prime Minister told them last Friday were to be withdrawn, this particular Bill was not mentioned. His hon. friends and himself had been awaiting the Second Reading of it. It was mentioned in the foremost place at the commencement of the session. Why was it withdrawn? Was any pressure brought to bear upon the Government from any section of the House to withdraw the Bill, and was that Bill or any similar Bill to be introduced in some future session? He asked some explanation from those Members of the Government whom he saw still sitting on the Treasury Bench.

MR. GEORGE WHITELEY

said the right hon. Gentleman must have forgotten that a few weeks or perhaps more ago, the Prime Minister announced that the Bill would be withdrawn. The Bill was being withdrawn because it was not being proceeded with. He had not heard that any pressure had been brought to bear on the Government in the matter. As regarded future years they might perhaps leave them to take care of themselves.

MR. ARKWRIGHT (Hereford)

asked on a point of order if the Motion could be accepted unless it was made by the right hon. Gentleman in charge of the Bill.

MR SPEAKER

said it could.

Question put, and agreed to.