§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."
§ Mr. BOOTHI had an important point on the Second Reading which, I am sorry to say, my own Front Bench have ignored. I take it this is the only opportunity we get once a year of dealing at all with the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man has no representative in this House—no one can speak 1429 for it—it is on the border of my native county, and a great many organisations overlap in every way. I shall certainly raise the whole question of the Isle of Man next year if it is the only opportunity. We should not legislate about that island when it has no representative, unless we do it thoughtfully and considering the whole question. The very much larger question of the Insurance Bill I cannot deal with, but it is possible to debate the relationship between the Isle of Man and the adjoining county of Lancashire. The Members for Liverpool, stumbling along rather, hit upon this point. I should like you, Sir, to say whether there is any opportunity for any hon. Member to raise the question of the Isle of Man, except upon this Bill, when it comes once a year before the House.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid not even then. The Isle of Man has a separate Legislature and enjoys Home Rule. This Bill simply deals with additional duties on tea, tobacco, spirits, ale, and beer. If the hon. Member has anything to say about these delicacies, this is his opportunity.
§ Mr. BOOTHI could say a very great deal about them. The whole question is involved of the separate rights which the Company House has in Douglas. They are quite unique, and, if I explained them, even at length, would interest the House immensely, but to-day, in view of all the circumstances, I must ask hon. Members to deny themselves that privilege. I do not ask if this is our chance to interfere with the island, but is this the only chance we get to raise the connection between the Isle of Man and this country. It has very important bearings, and it will have more under the new Insurance Bill. I rather wanted your ruling as to whether one could make a suggestion here for the Government of this country to approach the Government of the Isle of Man with a suggestion for our mutual benefit.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat would not arise upon this Bill. It is introduced in order to make the Customs Duties similar in the Isle of Man to what they are in this country. That is a very limited object, and the Debate must be confined to that.
§ Question put, and agreed to. Bill accordingly read the third time, and passed.