HC Deb 11 July 1889 vol 338 cc227-8

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. BLANE (Armagh, S.)

I do not think that this Bill ought to be read a second time without an explanation from the Government as to its provisions. I therefore move that the Debate be now adjourned.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Blane.)

MR. W. H. SMITH

I hope that the House will not adjourn the Debate. The Bill is simply to enable the Comptroller and the Auditor General to audit certain accounts which he has not the power to do, and I trust that the House will give the necessary authority.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, West)

I hope that my hon. Friend will not persist in his Motion. At the same time, I may point out it would have been more convenient if the Secretary for War, in the first place, could have given the information which the First Lord of the Treasury has now given under pressure.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE,) Lincolnshire, Horncastle

My name was not on the back of the Bill, and therefore I could not intervene.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Original Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for to-morrow.