§ (The Lord Lurgan.)
§ (NO. 210.) COMMITTEE.
§ Order of the Day for the House to be put into Committee, read.
§ Moved, "That the House do now resolve itself into Committee."—(The Lord Lurgan.)
THE EARL OF LONGFORDurged that, considering the [slender and accidental majority of I last night in favour of proceeding with the measure, it was scarcely reasonable that the Government should persevere with it. They had no doubt introduced it in the belief that it was for the public interest; but, instead of being a statesmanlike endeavour to remedy an abuse, it was really a party proceeding, and the persecution of a political interest. He moved that the Bill be committed this day three months.
§ Amendment moved, to leave out ("now,") and insert ("this day three months.")—(The Earl of Longford.)
EARL GEANVILLEhoped the opposition would not be pressed, the question having been decided last night on two separate divisions, and no notice having been given of the Amendment. He denied that any party question was involved in the Bill.
§ LORD CAIRNSsaid, he thought the merits of the Bill were fairly challenged last night. The majority was not a very large one; but at this period of the Session it would hardly be right to divide again on the same question, and he j hoped his noble Friend would not persevere with his Amendment, particularly as no notice had been given of it.
§ On Question, That ("now") stand part of the Motion? Resolved in the Affirmative. House in Committee ac- 1139 cordingly; Bill reported without Amendment; and to be read 3a on Thursday next.