HC Deb 16 July 1863 vol 172 cc936-7

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(The Solicitor General.)

MR. HENNESSY moved that the Bill be read a second time on this day two months, with a view to its being considered next Session in a Select Committee. He also expressed an opinion that it was an infringement of the Commons' privileges for the House of Lords to send down such a Bill, referring as it did largely to questions of religion, trade, and taxation.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day two months."—(Mr. Hennessy.)

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL

said, that the work of revision had been carefully done, but it must be taken on trust. It was in the power of any hon. Member to prevent any such measure passing, but he doubted whether the hon. and learned Gentleman used his influence well, in obstructing a Bill which, if it became law, would reflect credit upon the Session. He proposed to set down the Bill for Committee on Wednesday next.

MR. BENTINCK

supported the Amendment, and said he was authorized by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Oxfordshire to state that he also was opposed to the Bill passing the present Session.

MR. LYGON

said no possible harm could accrue from delay.

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

The House divided:—Ayes 45; Noes 16: Majority 29.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 2°, and committed for Wednesday next.