HC Deb 23 July 1856 vol 143 cc1274-5

Order for Second Reading read.

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

MR. HORSMAN

said, that as they were now within a few days of the close of the Session, and as the Bishops of London and Durham Retirement Bill had been postponed until that day, on the understanding that it was to be taken first, he had been requested by his noble Friend at the head of the Government to ask the hon. Member for Mallow not to proceed with his Bill, on which much discussion must necessarily arise, and which, even if it were now read a second time, could lead to no practical result in the present Session.

SIR DENHAM NORREYS

said, the Bill was upon a subject of the greatest importance to Ireland, and though he considered that a discussion in reference to it would be as useful then as at any other time, he would not oppose the wishes of the House if they thought the measure should not be proceeded with then; but he should expect a pledge from the Go- vernment that they would give him their influence when he re-introduced the measure next Session.

MR. HORSMAN

said, the Government would be prepared to state their views when the Bill reached a second reading.

COLONEL FRENCH

said, he must protest against the course taken both by the hon. Member for Mallow and the Government, and he also must complain of the Government taking away the only day which was now allotted to private Members, by bringing forward business of their own.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, he would remind the House that no practical result could be obtained by proceeding with the Bill at present.

MR. STAFFORD

said, that the Irish Members wished to hear the statement promised by the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary for Ireland on the subject.

MR. HORSMAN

said, he had given no such promise.

MR. KIRK

said, he would recommend the hon. Member for Mallow to withdraw the Bill for the present.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.