HC Deb 15 August 1881 vol 264 cc2011-2

Order for Second Reading read.

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH

proposed to defer the second reading until to-morrow.

MR. J. G. TALBOT

asked if it was really intended to take the second reading of the Bill to-morrow?

MR. BEYCE

said, he had had a Notice on the Paper to prevent the Bill from being proceeded with after half-past 12 o'clock; but he had taken that Notice off, and there was now nothing to prevent the Bill being taken at any hour.

MR. J. G. TALBOT

asked when the Notice was taken off?

MR. BRYCE

To-day.

MR. J. G. TALBOT

said, he must repeat his question to his noble Friend the Secretary to the Treasury, whether it was proposed to proceed with the second reading to-morrow?

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH

intimated that such was the intention of the Government.

MR. J. G. TALBOT

remarked, that as the hon. Member for the Tower Hamlets (Mr. Bryce) had taken off his Notice against the Bill, the Government would be able to take the second reading at any hour. He wished, therefore, to have a distinct answer to the question whether it was proposed to take it at any hour, because it was only right that those who were interested in the Bill should know whether it was likely to be brought on at an inconvenient hour. Of course, if the Government persisted in bringing on the measure at any time, he must make the best he could of the situation.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

understood that the Government did hope to be able to take the Bill tomorrow; but, no doubt, if the hon. Gentleman was in his place at 4 o'clock and would ask the Question, he would receive an answer.

Second Reading deferred until Tomorrow.