HC Deb 23 April 1926 vol 194 cc1629-30

Order for Second Reading read.

Mr. LUNN

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

Commander WILLIAMS

I think it is quite impossible, within the very short time in which we have to deal with this Bill, that we can possibly be expected really to give it that consideration which it ought to have in view of its being moved by a Member of the Front Bench opposite. I cannot say whether the Bill receives the support of the whole of the Socialist, party. That may be one of the things which require some explanation. This is the first time on which the Socialist party have ever shown the wisdom of moving the Second Reading of a Bill and trying to get it through and not discussing it or giving it away. As they have shown that remarkable wisdom to-day, I can assure them that, so far as I am concerned, I will say nothing unnecessarily harsh or unnecessarily unkind about. their Bill. But I am not even cer- tain that this Bill, excellent possibly as many of its provisions may be, has the support of the whole of the Socialist party. I notice that their leader is not here. I notice that the leader of certain other sections of the party, the ex-Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Colonel Wedgwood) is not here. I notice that none of their Scottish supporters are here, but they nearly always go away fairly early in the day.

It being Four of the Clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed upon Tuesday next.

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 Four o' Clock until Monday next (26th April).