§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."—[Mr. Arthur Henderson.]
§ Mr. Bellenger (Bassetlaw)I wish to put a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I understand that on the Second Reading of this Bill it is not possible for hon. Members to put any points at all and that this stage is purely formal, as in the case of the First Reading of Bills. If that is so, would you kindly inform me, and possibly other hon. Members in a similar position, why it is not possible at this stage to raise points of general interest on a Bill which extends the Army and Air Force Act, and whether this procedure applies to the Third Reading?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt always has been the custom that on the Second Reading of this Bill nothing whatever can be raised. No questions of administration or disagreement with any other provision can possibly be raised on this Bill, but it is always open to hon. Members to raise anything they like on the Committee stage, when both new Clauses and Amendments can be moved. The Second Reading always has been, and is, an entirely formal procedure.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes that apply to the Third Reading also?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe same applies to the Third Reading.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House for the next Sitting Day [Captain McEwen.]