HC Deb 20 March 1890 vol 342 cc1352-3

Order for Second Reading read.

DR. TANNER

I object.

* MR. W. H. SMITH

I hope the hon. Gentleman will allow the Bill to be read a second time. It will go before a Select Committee and be considered carefully. The hon. Member is aware it is a Consolidation Bill Only, and it is to the interest of the entire community that the consolidation of Statutes should be effected as speedily as possible.

DR. TANNER

I object.

* MR. H. H. FOWLER

I hope the hon. Gentleman will not think it necessary to insist upon his objection. This consolidation is part of the scheme arranged last year. We then amended the Lunacy-Acts and left the Consolidation until this year.

DR. TANNER

I simply think that this is not a favourable time for considering such a measure. There are many points in connection with the Lunacy Laws to which I should like to call attention. Standing No. 12 on the list, no one ever supposed the Bill would be taken to-night.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS,) Birmingham, E.

No doubt there were points in the Bill of the Session 1888 in which we were not in entire accord with the hon. Member, but I think he will see this is a purely Consolidating Bill, not an amending Bill.

DR. TANNER

Do I understand that it is to go before a Select Committee?

MR. MATTHEWS

Yes.

DR. TANNER

On that understanding I have no objection to the Second Reading.

Bill read a second time, and committer to a Select Committee.