HC Deb 19 April 1911 vol 24 c1000

Order for Second Reading read.

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

Sir F. BANBURY

I have not heard any word in explanation of this Bill, and we are naturally desirous of knowing something about what we are going to pass. I was told at the Vote Office a few minutes ago that the Bill is not printed, and I should like to ask if it is in order to move the Second Reading of a Bill which is not printed.

Mr. SPEAKER

If the Bill is not printed and has not been introduced I do not think the House ought to be asked to pass the Second Reading. If the Bill was introduced last year and has not been printed and circulated during this Session it would be another matter, and the House might possibly overlook it. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would say whether the Bill has been introduced or not.

Sir F. BANBURY

If the Bill proposes to amend an Act which was only passed last year it cannot have been introduced before.

Mr. SPEAKER

There was an Autumn Session.

Sir F. BANBURY

We did not do anything except to decide to dissolve.

And it being Eleven of the clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

ADJOURNMENT.—Resolved, "That the House do now Adjourn."—[Mr. Gulland.] Adjourned accordingly, at Four minutes after Eleven o'clock.