HL Deb 19 December 1854 vol 136 c494

Bill brought from the Commons.

THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE

moved that the Bill be now read a First Time, and said that, in accordance with the intimation previously given, he should move the second reading on Thursday, and that the Standing Orders be suspended in order that they might take the Committee on the same day. He had proposed that the House should sit to-morrow; but he understood that it would be more convenient to noble Lords to take the second reading and Committee on Thursday.

EARL GREY

was quite aware that it was desirable the Bill should pass before the recess. At the same time being one of those entertaining considerable objections to the Bill, he would take the opportunity of impressing on the noble Duke, that when he moved the second reading, he would explain to the House the grounds of the necessity for this Bill. As the noble Earl opposite had said, in former wars, when the country was in great danger, as they were told, it was the business and the duty of the Government to explain fully and completely what measures were taken for bringing up the regular army to its full strength, and maintaining a sufficient reserve. He hoped, as there would be only one discussion instead of two, that they should know precisely what had been done by the Government to encourage recruiting in the regular army.

Bill read la, and to be read 2a on Thursday next.

Standing Orders Nos. 37 and 38 to be considered, in order to their being dispensed with on the said Bill.