HC Deb 07 April 1922 vol 152 cc2665-6

Order for Second Reading read.

Mr. ALEXANDER SHAW

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

I am rather surprised at this unexpected opportunity, considering the enormous vitality of the Measure which pre-coded this on the Order Paper. As I perceive that on the 5th May there are on the Order Paper four Measures which might be in a somewhat vanishing position, I propose, if this Bill is not passed by this House to-day before four o'clock, to put it down for that day. I believe the President of the Board of Trade has gone off by train. I am told that he was prepared to speak on this Bill for upwards of an hour, assuming that it was necessary. He never viewed the Bill with much enthusiasm. He found the Safeguarding of Industries Act an abandoned infant on the doorstep of the Board of Trade, and he never displayed any great enthusiasm for it, although I must say, without hesitation, that in the administration of that Act he has proved himself a scrupulously fair administrator, and has done his best with an absolutely impossible Measure.

Mr. MILLS rose in his place, and claimed to move, "That the Question be now put," but Mr. Speaker withheld his assent, and declined then to put that Question.

Mr. SHAW

I am very much obliged to the hon. Member opposite. I was looking at the Statute Book this morning, and I see that the Safeguarding of Industries Act is Chapter 47 of the Statutes of 1921.

It being Four of the Clock, further Proceeding on the Bill stood adjourned.

Bill to be read a Second time upon Friday, 5th May.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

Whereupon Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to Standing Order No. 3.

Adjourned at One Minute after Pour o'Clock till Monday next (10th April).