§ The Attorney General moved the Order of the Day for the second reading of this Bill, and said, he hoped to be allowed to read this Bill a second time. He moved that it be then read a second time.
§ Mr. Ruthvenconsidered the Bill most objectionable, as he understood it was intended to have a retrospective operation. He was so decidedly opposed to it, that, if the hon. and learned Gentleman persisted in his motion, he would divide the House upon it.
The Attorney Generalsaid, he hoped the hon. Gentleman would not give the House the trouble of dividing, as he would have ample opportunity of discussing the Bill in the Committee, but he must persist in his motion of carrying through the second reading that night.
§ The House divided:—Ayes 35; Noes 5—Majority 30.
§ The Bill read a second time.