§ Resolutions [4th April] reported.
§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSwished to put a Question to Her Majesty's Government, which, probably, the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary for the Home Department, or one of the Lords of the Treasury, would be able to answer. He believed that his right hon. Friend (Sir Stafford Northcote), alluding to the question of the second reading of the Irish Land Bill, had expressed the strong feeling entertained on that side of the House, and, he believed, on the other side too, that the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Government should undertake not to proceed with the second reading on Monday the 25th, directly after the Holidays. It would obviously be a great inconvenience to Members coming up on the first day of the House re-assembling, and, no doubt, those Members who did come up would be glad to consult with each other before committing themselves to any particular line of action. He, therefore, hoped that the Prime Minister would agree to the general wish that on the first meeting of the House after the Easter Holidays a matter of this great importance should not be taken?
SIB WILLIAM HARCOURTIn answer to the right hon. Gentleman, all I can say at present is that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be here at 2 o'clock this day, when the House meets, and what the right hon. Gentleman has said will be conveyed to him. I would prefer that the opportunity 972 of answering the Question should be reserved for my right hon. Friend.
§ Resolutions agreed to.
§ Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the said Resolutions, and that Mr. PLAYFAIR, Mr. CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, and Lord FREDERICK CAVENDISH do prepare and bring it in.
§ Bill presented, and read the first time. [Bill 36.]