HC Deb 24 June 1913 vol 54 cc1043-4

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—[Mr. McKinnon Wood.]

Mr. WEDGWOOD

May I ask the representative of the Government what other measures they propose to take to-night, so that we may know exactly where we stand? It seems to me it would be very convenient if we were told before the House meets what measures the Government propose to take. I have been unable to find in the Vote Office a great number of these Bills which are on the Paper, and which are apparently not yet printed. When we have twenty-four Government Bills and twenty other Bills on the Paper it is rather important that private Members should have some sort of notion as to what the Government propose to take. I was told by hon. Members who are in the know that this Bill was coming on. I looked at it, and it certainly seems to me to be a Bill which might pass. I do not want to oppose it, but, then, I do not want to find that by passing it we have opened the door to a great many other Bills which cannot be properly discussed under existing circumstances at present. If I get an assurance that this is the only Bill the Government propose to take tonight I shall be very glad, and it will save the House a good deal of trouble.

Mr. GULLAND (Lord of the Treasury)

I am very glad to give my hon. Friends the assurance that this is the only Order we propose to take to-night.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Perhaps we may be told what Bills are to be taken on other nights?

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER (Mr. Whitley)

That is a question that can be put on the Motion for Adjournment.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed to a Standing Committee.