HC Deb 02 June 1911 vol 26 cc1424-5

Order for Second Reading read.

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

Sir FREDERICK BANBURY

This Bill is brought in at a rather unfortunate moment, inasmuch as there are very few Members in the House, and the people who are interested in it are not here. This Bill has never been introduced into the House before.

Mr. CHARLES ROBERTS

It has been introduced since 1908.

Sir F. BANBURY

It has never passed Second Reading, which is quite a different thing from depositing it at the Vote Office. This Bill contains a very insidious principle. On the face of it it merely alters the qualification for local government in England and Wales, but in reality it enables women to take part in local government to a far greater extent than they were able to before. I am not at all sure that it is a good thing. Until we settle the question as to whether or not women should be admitted to the franchise we ought to pause before dealing with their qualification to sit on local authorities.

Mr. C. ROBERTS

The hon. Baronet has not investigated the Bill. It applies to both men and women.

Sir F. BANBURY

That is one of the worst parts of it. It treats men and women on the same basis. I may be old-fashioned, but I hold the view that men and women are two different beings, that they are fashioned in a different manner and have different feelings, and a different sense of responsibility.

Mr. WALTER M`LAREN

rose in his place and claimed to move, "That the Question be now put."

The DEPUTY-SPEAKER

withheld his consent. Debate resumed.

Sir F. BANBURY

Even in the most democratic Parliament it is not usual to accept the Closure after five minutes' discussion.

It being Five of the clock the Debate stood adjourned.

Adjourned at Two minutes after Five o'clock till Tuesday, 13th June.