HC Deb 02 July 1851 vol 118 cc118-9

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. FORBES MACKENZIE

said, that at this late period of the Session he did not intend to proceed further with the measure than its second reading. He was sure, however, that the House would be anxious to diminish drunkenness, and to prevent temptations from being cast in the way of the young and inexperienced; and he should, therefore, bring in a similar Bill next Session. He might also spate, that in adopting this course, he had the perfect concurrence of the noble Lord who had carried the Bill through the other House.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

MR. ELLIOT

was as anxious as the hon. Gentleman to check as much as possible the prevalence of drunkenness in Scotland, but he considered that there were such serious objections to the Bill, that he hoped it would be very greatly modified ere it came before them again. With the understanding that his vote would not prejudice his further opposition to the Bill, which he thought was faulty, he should not oppose the second reading.

MR. HUME

could not think what the hon. Gentleman who had last spoken meant. He was entirely opposed to the Bill, and yet he was ready, by supporting the second reading, to affirm its principle. The Bill was objected to by almost every man in Scotland, and hon. Gentlemen did not know the annoyance he had experienced in continually having to receive deputations requesting him to oppose it. If the Motion before them were carried, he should have to undergo the same trouble next year; and he should therefore move, with the view of getting rid of it altogether, that the Bill be read a second time that day three months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day Three Months."

MR. EWART

seconded the Motion.

Question proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

VISCOUNT DUNCAN

objected to committing the Bill even pro formâ, as it would only lead to useless discussion.

MR. FERGUS

said, he must protest against the principle of the Bill altogether. He believed that the consumption of ardent spirits in Scotland had been much exaggerated. Drunkenness was common now chiefly amongst the lower classes, and if they were only raised by education, they would soon cease to be guilty of the vice complained of. He thought, too, that if hon. Gentlemen would exert themselves to promote the domestic comforts of their dependants, they would much more effectively arrest the progress of intemperance than by passing the Bill now before them.

MR. FORBES MACKENZIE

said, he would withdraw the Bill.

Amendment and Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Bill withdrawn.