§ The Chairman of Ways and Means (Dr. Horace King)Mr. Speaker, under Standing Order No. 198 relating to Private Business, as hon. Members will know, not less than three clear days' notice in writing has to be given of the date proposed for the Second Reading of a Private Bill. The agents promoting the 16 Bills for Second Reading gave this notice on Saturday, 23rd January, for the Second Readings to be taken on Thursday, 28th January, the House did not sit on Thursday, 28th January, the Bills have been put down in accordance with precedent for the next day on which the House decided to sit, which is today.
I think it right that hon. Members should have more notice of this important stage to which they may wish to object. I do not therefore, Mr. Speaker, propose to make any Motion in regard to the 16 Bills for Second Reading today but will do so tomorrow, Tuesday, to which day the Bills will automatically stand over.