§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
Little time remains before the House proceeds to other Business, and I am not sure whether I can meet the wishes of the House regarding this Bill in the short time at my disposal. If I could assume that this was a non-contentious Measure, it could be disposed of at once.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSOh, no.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAs there appears to be some little disapproval of that modest proposal, I must occupy some little time in explaining the purpose of the Bill. If there should be, as apparently there is, some disagreement, I shall content myself with a short explanation to begin with, and reply on the Debate at a later stage. I think I can assume that there will be little opposition to this Measure, because when the provision was embodied in the Mining Industry Act, 1920, for the purpose of promoting welfare in mining districts, the Measure was presented by the Coalition Government of the day. Five years later, when it was decided to continue portions of the Miners' Welfare Fund, the proposal was sponsored by the late Government. In these circumstances—
§ It being half-past Seven of the Clock, and there being Private Business set down by direction of the Chairman of Ways and Means under Standing Order No. 8, further Proceeding was postponed without Question put.