HC Deb 11 August 1882 vol 273 cc1623-4

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be read a second time time To-morrow."—(Mr. Anderson.)

MR. WARTON

said, he rose to move that the Bill be read a second time on Monday, and he did so for the purpose of remarking that the Government had distinctly stated that nothing but Government Business would be taken on Saturdays. He had this year introduced a little Bill, which was read a second time; but he moved the discharge of the Order, because he was too honourable to bring it forward on Saturday.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "To-morrow," in order to insert the words "upon Monday next,"—(Mr. Warton,)—instead thereof.

Question proposed, "That the word 'To-morrow' stand part of the Question."

MR. T. C. BARING

said, during an experience of eight years he never remembered a Private Bill of a contentious character being brought in on a Saturday. There was good reason why Private Bills should not be taken on Saturday, and that was that Saturday Sittings were only taken under pressure of Government, and nominally, at least, for Government Business.

MR. ANDERSON

said, the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Baring) was entirely mistaken. In olden times it was the practice of private Members to put down the Bills on any day the House sat. He had passed Bills repeatedly on Saturday, and it was an innovation to say that a Saturday or any other day should be confined strictly to Government Business.

MR. WHITLEY

said, the Prime Minister certainly stated that when the Government asked for a Saturday Sitting it ought to be for Government Business.

MR. STUART-WORTLEY

said, if it was an innovation to say that nothing but Government Business should be taken on Saturday, it was a very wholesome one.

MR. COURTNEY

said, hon. Members must remember that the Irish Sunday Closing Bill occupied a great deal of a Saturday Sitting last year. There had been no breach of faith on the part of the Government, for the declaration of the Prime Minister referred to a particular Saturday.

Question put, and agreed to.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill to be read a second time Tomorrow.