§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Duke of Somerset.)
§ THE EARL OF HARDWICKEthought the Bill a harmless one. He must, however, observe that the first clause was very large, and tool; in almost every one engaged in a seafaring life, except seamen-gunners. As captain of a yacht which he navigated himself, he begged to ask the noble Duke what situation he would give him? If he could creep hack into the navy under this Bill, he would say it was one of the best measures ever introduced. He did not see how it was possible to refuse him a lieutenancy under the first clause, and therefore he should offer no opposition to the Bill.
§ THE EARL OF ELLENBOROUGHhoped the noble Duke would not forget to insert in the Bill in Committee the officers of the late Indian navy.
§ Motion agreed to: Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Thursday next.