HC Deb 15 March 1883 vol 277 cc566-7
MR. HICKS

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is now in a position to give an assurance to the House that the Affirmation Bill will not be brought forward for Second Reading till after the first week after Easter, as many Members have to be absent from the House during that week, in consequence of having to attend to their duties at Quarter Sessions?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

In the absence of the Prime Minister, I may say, in reply to the Question of the hon. Member, that we will undertake not to bring forward the Parliamenary Oaths Act (1866) Amendment Bill on the Thursday or Friday in Easter week; but I am unable to say at present what Business may be taken on the Monday following. An intimation, however, will be given to the House on that subject as soon as possible.

MR. GORST

wished to ask whether it was the intention of Her Majesty's Government to proceed with the Bill at all?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

It certainly is the intention of Her Ma- jesty's Government to proceed with the Bill.