§ Mr. Spring Ricemoved the second reading of the Bill to regulate Distillation in Ireland.
§ An Hon. Member hoped the hon. Gentleman opposite would not press the second reading of the Bill that evening, as it was a very important measure, and time ought to be allowed to discuss it.
§ Mr. Spring Riceperfectly concurred with the hon. Gentleman, as to the pro- 720 priety of a full discussion, but ample opportunity would be afforded in the Committee for that purpose. He trusted, therefore, the hon. Gentleman would not object to the second reading that night. There might be objections to the measure, and he was most desirous to take the sense of the House, and particularly of Irish Members upon it. But when he said there was no clause in the Bill which did not mitigate the existing severity of the law, he was quite sure no objection would be made to the second reading. He was anxious the measure should be fully discussed in the Committee, before which time he hoped hon. Gentlemen would compare it with the present state of the law, and he should be most happy to adopt any practical improvements that could be suggested.
Mr. O'Connellsaid, what had fallen from the hon. Gentleman was quite atisfactory, but there were some provisions in the measure, which, if they were mitigations of the law as it now stood—that law ought to be repealed. He alluded particularly to the inquisitorial clauses respecting witnesses. If those clauses were in former Acts, they had better be repealed wholly. The powers given by this measure were exceedingly extensive, and it certainly was not a proper subject to discuss at that late hour. After what had fallen from the hon. Gentleman, however, he would not oppose the second reading.
§ Bill read a second time.