§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSON, in moving that the Bill be now read a second time, said, it was intended as a consolidation of the present Acts relating to Municipalities. A great number of clauses re-enacted the provisions of the various Statutes; but some of the provisions which had become unnecessary had been omitted. In some small matters, amendments had been made; but the main provisions of the Acts in question had simply been consolidated. He begged to move the second reading of the Bill.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Sir Henry Selwin-Ibbetson.)
§ MR. HIBBERTtrusted his hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury would not press the second reading of the Bill, as it had only been printed on Saturday last, and it was impossible for hon. Members to have seen it. Some of the provisions of the Bill were very important, and he thought time should be allowed for the municipalities to consider and express their views on the measure.
§ MR. ONSLOWalso hoped the second reading would not be pressed that night. Every Corporation in England ought to have ample time to consider the Bill before it was passed.
§ MR. GOURLEYthought the hon. Gentleman would act wisely in postponing the Bill. An important alteration was made by the Bill in the manner of the election of some officers, and that provision alone required careful consideration. He moved that the debate be now adjourned.
§ MR. LEEMANseconded the Motion.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Gourley.)
§ SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSONsaid, he was prepared to accept the suggestion that the Bill should not be taken at an unreasonable time.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEsaid, there was great necessity for the provisions of the Bill being thoroughly understood. The 6th clause of the Bill had already passed the House that Session in another measure, and had also passed through Committee in the House of Lords. He supported the Motion for the adjournment of the debate.
§ MR. WHITWELLhoped the hon. Baronet opposite would allow the debate to be adjourned in accordance with the suggestions made on all sides.
§ MR. DILLWYNobserved, that there had been no opportunity of moving Amendments to the Bill, as it was only in print that morning.
§ SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSONsaid, that he was willing, as he had already stated, that the debate should be adjourned till Monday next.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Debate adjourned till Monday next.