HC Deb 20 July 1882 vol 272 cc1168-9

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be read a second time upon Saturday next."—(Mr. Herbert Gladstone.)

MR. BIGGAR

said, he understood from the Prime Minister that no Bill to which any substantial objection would be raised would be set down for Saturday. Without going into the question of the merits of this Bill, he might say that a large number of Irish Members were very much opposed to this measure, and on this account he appealed to the Government to keep the pledge which the right hon. Gentleman gave earlier in the evening. He would move formally that the Bill be set down for second reading on Monday next.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "Saturday," in order to insert the word "Monday,"—(Mr. Biggar,)—instead thereof.

Question proposed, "That the word 'Saturday' stand part of the Question."

MR HERBERT GLADSTONE

said, he thought what the Prime Minister said was that one or two Bills of second-rate importance might be taken; he certainly did not convey the impression which the hon. Member for Cavan (Mr. Biggar) seemed to have formed. He (Mr. Herbert Gladstone) did not think this Bill was generally opposed by hon. Members from Ireland; on the contrary, he believed it met with very general approval. He was quite aware it met with the uncompromising hostility of the hon. Member for Cavan; but he would appeal to the characteristic good sense of the hon. Member to give way to the general opinion of his Colleagues. The Bill was approved by hon. Gentlemen from Ireland sitting opposite, as well as by hon. Gentlemen from Ireland sitting below the Ministerial Gangway, and it was not disapproved of by the hon. Gentleman the Member for the City of Cork (Mr. Parnell). Under the circumstances, he trusted the hon. Member would not persevere with his Amendment.

MR. MONK

suggested that the Bill should be put down to-morrow at 2 o'clock, and that, in the meantime, the Government should consult the Irish Members, who were now conspicuous by their absence, as to whether the Bill should be taken on Saturday or not.

MR. BIGGAR

said, he did not pretend to use the exact words of the Prime Minister; but he did say most emphatically that the right hon. Gentleman conveyed the idea that no Bill to which any substantial objection would be raised would be set down for Saturday.

Question put.

The House divided:—Ayes 78; Noes 5: Majority 73.—(Div. List, No. 284.)

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Second Reading upon Saturday next.