HC Deb 15 May 1876 vol 229 cc753-4

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [28th April], "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Sir Harcourt Johnstone.)

Question again proposed.

SIR HARCOURT JOHNSTONE

said, he did not know whether he was in Order in asking that the adjourned debate on the second reading be now proceeded with. When the Bill was previously before the House on the 28th of April it was deemed advisable not to proceed with it at the late hour at which it came on, and a wish was expressed for further evidence of its necessity. He now held in his hands copies of memorials to the Secretary of State for the Home Department from certain magistrates in England praying for this alteration of the licensing laws. The object of the Bill was really conveyed in the prayer of these different memorials, which were from many important places, including Ashton-under-Lyne, Blackburn, Bolton, Bradford, Bridgwater, Bristol, Chester, Darlington, Dewsbury, Halifax, Huddersfield, and many other places in England—["Order."]

MR. SPEAKER

I must recall to the recollection of the hon. Baronet that he addressed the House on the second reading of this Bill on a former occasion, and therefore he is not in Order in again discussing it.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Thursday.