HL Deb 26 June 1899 vol 73 c534

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

EARL GREY

I would venture to appeal to the noble Lord in charge of this Bill (Lord Muskerry) to postpone the Second Reading till a later date. The Bill was only printed on Saturday, and the shipowners in the North of England, who have telegraphed and written to me on this subject, strongly protest against a Bill of this great importance, which vitally affects the shipping industry, being dealt with in this hasty manner. I hope the noble Lord will see his way to comply with the request which I venture to make.

THE EARL OF WEMYSS

On behalf of the Shipowners' Parliamentary Committee, I desire to support the appeal of my noble friend for the postponement of the discussion upon this Bill.

LORD MUSKERRY

I have no hesition in agreeing, after the appeal of the noble Lords, to postpone the Second Reading of this Bill. I might mention, however, that the Bill was read a first time on Monday last, and I do not know why it was not circulated before Saturday. Would it suit the noble Lords if I put the Bill down for to-morrow?

EARL GREY

That would be too short a time for the Bill to be properly considered, and I certainly think it is only proper that so important an industry should have ample opportunity of looking into this Bill before your Lordships are asked to give it a Second Reading.

Order for Second Reading discharged.

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