§ Order for consideration of Bill (as amended in the Standing Committee) read.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)With the leave of the House, I do not propose to go on with this Bill if there is opposition to it, but I would remind my hon. Friends that the Bill has been very folly considered by all Departments directly interested. They have come to a general agreement, and I can assure my hon. Friend (Mr. Booth), that those who have made a study of the Bill are satisfied that it would be of inestimable advantage to the children. Of course, if my hon. Friend, in spite of that information, insists in opposing the Bill, I have no alternative but not to proceed with it.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKMay I appeal to the hon. Gentleman opposite to withdraw his opposition? 1394 This Bill is demanded by the conscience of the country, and is practically an agreed measure. The hon. Gentleman is doing himself and his own party an injustice by opposing it.
§ Mr. T. E. HARVEYI would add my voice to that appeal.
§ Mr. BOOTHI submit that these appeals, are not at all fair. To bring forward a controversial Bill of this kind at this stage of the Session, and to try to get it through is almost inhuman. This has been a private Member's Bill, and it is opposed in all parts of the House for very different reasons. I opposed the Second Reading, and have pointed out a large number of objections. I have found that none was met in Committee. To say that interests have been met is simply to burke the question. The stand I took was on behalf of the liberty of the people and of the poor, and to say that business interests have been met is to say that the whole thing is viewed from a wrong standpoint. The hon. Baronet the Member for the City of London indicated earlier to-day that he was decidedly opposed to this Bill. I have not changed my views. I could name two or three score of Members of the House who want considerable alterations made in the Bill. I ask whether it is at all fair that we should enter on a controversial Bill of this kind now, and consider Amendments to which I attach the utmost importance? I ask whether it is fair, at this time, when we have done the great work of the Session, that we should be asked to stay behind and enter on a new controversy?
§ Mr. SPEAKERDoes the hon. Member move the Amendment which stands in his name?
§ Mr. McKENNAIn view of what has been said, I do not propose to proceed with the Motion.
Consideration, as amended (in the Standing Committee) deferred till to-morrow.