§ Order for Second Reading read (King's consent signified).
§ 2.11 p.m.
§ Mr. R. AclandI beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
I rise somewhat unexpectedly to move the Second Reading of this Bill, which has been on the Order Paper of the House in one way or another for several years. I confess that I do so with a somewhat heavy heart, fearing that the Bill will not receive a Second Reading, fearing that, if it did, it would not reach the Statute Book, fearing that I shall be told from the other side that the Bill, if it were passed, would be of no avail to-day. Why? Because in the past six years our Government has taken the lead in destroying the conditions under which such a Bill might have been of some avail. It will be said that, if we pass this Bill, no other nation will take a similar step. But what of that? This Government has never hesitated to take the lead when it has happened to suit the sort of foreign policy in which the Government believes. When we on these benches pointed out that to prohibit the export—
§ Notice taken that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present—
§ The House was adjourned at Fourteen Minutes after Two o'Clock, until Monday next, 13th December.