HC Deb 27 June 1919 vol 117 cc576-8

Order read for resuming adjourned Debate on Question (4th June),

"That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question again proposed.

Mr. G. THORNE

I think the right hon. Baronet (Sir F. Banbury) might give us some explanation of this Bill, and tell us the reason for the urgency of its being taken now at this late hour on Friday.

Major BARNETT

I should also like the hon. Baronet to give us some explanation.

Sir F. BANBURY

This is a resumption of the adjourned Debate which took place "some time ago. I gave an explanation of the Bill then.

Dr. MURRAY

It is desirable that the right hon. Baronet should give an explanation of the terms of the Bill.

Captain ORMSBY-GORE

I beg to move to leave out the word "now," and -at the end of the Question to add the words upon this day six months. I understand the right hon. Baronet gave a summary of this Bill on the previous occasion. That does not make it a better Bill. I ask the House to vote against the Second Reading of the Bill. We cannot at this late hour on Friday reopen the whole question of agricultural policy in this country in regard to the growing of corn. There are a great many difficult questions involved in our future cereal policy in this country.

If he goes to a Division now I hope hon. Members will vote against the Second Reading.

Colonel GREIG

I beg to second the Amendment.

This is a most important Bill, because it reverses entirely the whole of the Government policy enunciated a year or two ago.

Notice taken that forty Members were not present; House counted, and forty Members not being present,

The House was Adjourned at Twenty-two minutes before Five o'clock till Monday next.