HC Deb 20 October 1909 vol 12 cc423-6

Order for Second Reading read.

Mr. CLAUDE HAY

It is monstrous that this Bill should be taken at this time of night. To take one Bill alone which is to be renewed——

Mr. SPEAKER

There can be no discussion on any individual Bill on the second reading.

Mr. HAY

The Schedule contains a Bill relating to wireless telegraphy.

Mr. SPEAKER

It cannot be discussed on the second reading.

Mr. HAY

There ought to be an opportunity on the second reading of dealing with the recent arrangement which the Postmaster-General has entered into with regard to wireless telegraphy.

Mr. SPEAKER

They cannot be diseased on the second reading of this Bill. The proper opportunity to discuss them is when they are reached on the Schedule.

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

It is quite reasonable and proper that an opportunity should be given for discussing the Bills mentioned in the Schedule. It is perfectly plain that there are several Bills which must be continued. We will give sufficient notice for the Committee stage, so that the different Bills may be discussed. I hope that on the footing that we undertake to give proper notice of the Committee stage, the hon. Member will not now object to the second reading.

Mr. HAY

I hope it will be clearly understood that it would not be regarded as a reasonable opportunity for discussion if the Committee stage were taken after midnight. This Bill should be taken an the light of day in order that the various measures mentioned in the Schedule may be discussed. If it is taken in the early hours of the morning the whole discussion will be nothing less than a farce.

Mr. HALDANE

I cannot promise that it will be taken in the way suggested, but we will do our best.

Lord BALCARRES

The Agricultural Rates Act is mentioned in the Schedule, and it is only in the first clause of the Bill that the date limit of that measure is dealt with. That Act is to be prolonged for a period of nine months only, and I am informed by persons conversant with local rating that that will cause a certain amount of difficulty owing to the hiatus of three months at the end of the present financial year. We cannot discuss the date to which it is to be prolonged on the Schedule, and we cannot discuss it on Clause 1. I cannot help thinking it should be discussed on the second reading of the Bill.

Mr. SPEAKER

Why not discuss it on Clause 1 in Committee? It is mentioned in Clause 1.

Lord BALCARRES

I am really asking guidance on the point. The date to which the Act is to be continued will not conform with the ordinary financial year. If it can be discussed on Clause 1 we will do so at that time.

Mr. SPEAKER

I should have thought that all matters could be discussed on the Schedule. The principle of the Bill is the only matter that can be discussed on the second reading. The question whether certain Bills should be continued can be discussed on the Schedule. I think the House has no doubt about that. If you want to take exception to certain Bills, it is when those Bills which are mentioned either in the first Clause or the Schedule come before the Committee.

Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

I do not think there is any desire to deprive the Government of the opportunity of getting the second reading stage of this Bill now, if we could have the assurance which the Secretary of State for War very nearly gay If we could have an assurance in clearer language that reasonable notice would be given and reasonable time allowed the second reading might now be taken. But, if not, I think I can promise the right hon. Gentleman some little amusement.

Mr. HALDANE

We will certainly undertake to give reasonable notice. As regards the time it is not easy to find it at this period of the Session but I can promise that I will consult with my hon. Friend the Patronage Secretary and we will do our best.

Mr. COURTHOPE

An entirely new departure is being taken this year in reference to the renewal of expiring Bills. The Agricultural Rates Act is only being re- newed for nine instead of twelve months. This will create certain difficulties with local authorities in striking rates, as they will not know why they will receive grants for nine or twelve months.

Notice taken that 40 Members were not present. House counted, and 40 Members not being present,

The House was adjourned at Twenty-two minutes after Twelve of the clock till to-morrow (Thursday).