HC Deb 04 February 1825 vol 12 cc124-5
Mr. Goulbourn

gave notice, that he would, on the 10th instant, move for leave to bring in a Bill to amend certain Acts relating to Unlawful Societies in Ireland.

Mr. Brougham

hoped that, upon his humble representation, the right hon. gentleman would be induced to postpone the notice he had given for a week. He intended to move for a call of the House on the day when that motion should come on, in order to show whether or not the cry of "No Popery!" which had been raised was really countenanced by the constituents of hon. members, and whether the people of England were on this occasion opposed to the wishes of the people of Ireland. He trusted the insinuation which had been made to this effect was an unfounded one against the good people of England; but if it were otherwise, they ought to have an opportunity of openly expressing their opinions. Whatever the consequence of it might be, it seemed to him absolutely necessary, that there should be a call of the House on a measure of so much importance.

Mr. Goulbourn

could really see no reason for the postponement. He had already informed the House, that it was intended the bill should be discussed in every stage. The motion of which he had now given notice was only for leave to bring in the bill. Its principle and its details might be discussed when it should be before the House.

Mr. Brougham,

in the hope of inducing the right hon. gentleman to accede to his request, would offer a compromise. He had well observed, that at present the House was not acquainted with the form in which the measure would be submitted to them. He (Mr. B.) hoped that what had passed last night would have the effect of modifying and reducing its shape. Perhaps, in the mean time, if delay were allowed, some other papers might be laid on the table. [Mr. Goulbourn said across the table, he had no intention of doing so.] Then there was to be no information between the exposition of the measure and the debate on the principle of the bill. Perhaps he might find it expedient to delay the call of the House, if the measure were to be postponed for a fortnight.

Mr. Peel

proposed that the call of the House should not take place until the second reading of the bill, which might be fixed for Tuesday week.

Mr. Brougham

said, that would hardly give him time enough. He was disposed still to press for a delay of a fortnight. If ministers considered a couple of days of such paramount importance in the passing of the bill about to be introduced, they ought to have called parliament together sooner. He then moved that the House be called over on that day fortnight.

The motion was agreed to.