§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."—[Mr. Inskip.]
§ Mr. HOGGEThe hon. and learned Member has stated that he begs to move this Motion. I thought that when a private Member introduced a Bill he should explain its purport and its details.
§ Mr. INSKIPI informed the House of the full facts of the Bill when I introduced it, and the First Reading was passed without a Division and without any objection.
§ Mr. HOGGEVery frequently a Member explains what a Bill is about on its First Reading, but the opportunity for discussing the Bill is usually taken on the Second Reading. I do not know what the Bill is about, but it seems to me that my hon. and learned Friend is moving the Second Reading a few minutes from the time in order to get it through without any explanation. I have an objection to supporting a Bill in these circumstances. I have no objection to supporting a Bill if it is a good one, but I am not prepared to support this or any other private Member's Bill unless the hon. Member in charge of it is prepared to take the opportunity of explaining it. After all it must be a good or a bad Bill. [HON. MEMBEBB: "No!"] Some hon. Members appear to think there is a middle course, and I suppose if there is that is the course which the Coalition Government would follow. But even if there are three courses, the hon. and learned member has not adopted any one of them. What are the Bread Acts? I have heard of the Bread Riots. I have no idea at all as to what the Bill refers to, and before a private Member asks the House to give a Bill a Second Reading he should explain its provisions.
§ It being Eleven of the Clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed upon Thursday next.
§ The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.