§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNI beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
936 I appeal to the House to allow this Bill to go to a Committee. The killing of animals for food is cruel, but none of us wants to see cruelty to a greater extent than is necessary. I have been in touch with the Butchers' Federation, and find that they are as anxious as we are for the purpose of the Bill. But they want some 937 alterations, and I have undertaken to consent to those alterations in Committee; for instance, that an expert Committee shall advise, not only on the suitability of the instrument, but also on its effect on the meat on which it is used.
§ Mr. EDMONDSI appeal to the House to allow the Bill to go to Second Reading. I am associated with the trade which has very much to do with the slaughter of animals.
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLOn a point of Order. May I ask whether the Four o'Clock Rule has been suspended?
Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKERThe. Rule is not suspended, but discussion is allowed if no objection be persisted in.
§ Mr. SEXTONI am at a loss to know whether it is in order to introduce a Bill after the hour of adjournment.
Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKERYes, it is in order, but if any hon. Member persists in objecting to it, the objection will hold good.
§ Major MOLLOYI persist in my objection.
Second Reading deferred till Monday next.