– in the House of Commons am ar 27 Ebrill 1923.
Sir Arthur Benn
, Plymouth Drake
I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
I appeal to the House to allow this Bill to go to a Committee. The killing of animals for food is cruel, but none of us wants to see cruelty to a greater extent than is necessary. I have been in touch with the Butchers' Federation, and find that they are as anxious as we are for the purpose of the Bill. But they want some alterations, and I have undertaken to consent to those alterations in Committee; for instance, that an expert Committee shall advise, not only on the suitability of the instrument, but also on its effect on the meat on which it is used.
Mr Garnham Edmonds
, Bethnal Green North East
I appeal to the House to allow the Bill to go to Second Reading. I am associated with the trade which has very much to do with the slaughter of animals.
Colonel Sir Joseph Nall
, Manchester Hulme
On a point of Order. May I ask whether the Four o'Clock Rule has been suspended?
Mr. DEPUTY-Speaker:
The. Rule is not suspended, but discussion is allowed if no objection be persisted in.
Mr James Sexton
, St Helens
I am at a loss to know whether it is in order to introduce a Bill after the hour of adjournment.
Mr. DEPUTY-Speaker:
Yes, it is in order, but if any hon. Member persists in objecting to it, the objection will hold good.
Major Leonard Molloy
, Blackpool
I persist in my objection.
Second Reading deferred till Monday next.
The Second Reading is the most important stage for a Bill. It is when the main purpose of a Bill is discussed and voted on. If the Bill passes it moves on to the Committee Stage. Further information can be obtained from factsheet L1 on the UK Parliament website.
The Speaker is an MP who has been elected to act as Chairman during debates in the House of Commons. He or she is responsible for ensuring that the rules laid down by the House for the carrying out of its business are observed. It is the Speaker who calls MPs to speak, and maintains order in the House. He or she acts as the House's representative in its relations with outside bodies and the other elements of Parliament such as the Lords and the Monarch. The Speaker is also responsible for protecting the interests of minorities in the House. He or she must ensure that the holders of an opinion, however unpopular, are allowed to put across their view without undue obstruction. It is also the Speaker who reprimands, on behalf of the House, an MP brought to the Bar of the House. In the case of disobedience the Speaker can 'name' an MP which results in their suspension from the House for a period. The Speaker must be impartial in all matters. He or she is elected by MPs in the House of Commons but then ceases to be involved in party politics. All sides in the House rely on the Speaker's disinterest. Even after retirement a former Speaker will not take part in political issues. Taking on the office means losing close contact with old colleagues and keeping apart from all groups and interests, even avoiding using the House of Commons dining rooms or bars. The Speaker continues as a Member of Parliament dealing with constituent's letters and problems. By tradition other candidates from the major parties do not contest the Speaker's seat at a General Election. The Speakership dates back to 1377 when Sir Thomas Hungerford was appointed to the role. The title Speaker comes from the fact that the Speaker was the official spokesman of the House of Commons to the Monarch. In the early years of the office, several Speakers suffered violent deaths when they presented unwelcome news to the King. Further information can be obtained from factsheet M2 on the UK Parliament website.
