§ Sir E. Sugdensaid, that bills of equal importance had been passed through in the same manner; and it was necessary, that there should be some distinct understanding on this subject. He alluded to the instance of the Copyhold Enfranchisement Bill, a bill of great importance, to the compulsory clauses of which he had objected. He had been given to understand, that there should be sufficient notice when the bill was to be brought on. He had rested satisfied, that he would have an opportunity to state his objections to the bill. But when he (Sir E. Sugden) was absent, the bill was at a late hour of the night read a third time and passed. A more important bill, affecting 936 as it did a great portion of the property of this country never passed the House; and yet that bill was never discussed, and had gone to the other House of Parliament without the opinion of that House having been expressed.
§ The Attorney-Generalsaid, that ample notice had been given, that the bill would be read a third time on the Wednesday evening. It was read soon after eleven o'clock, when he believed the right hon. and learned Gentleman was engaged at a great festival in the city.
§ Sir R. Peelan understanding was come to, which he thought an equitable one, and one which ought not to have been departed from, namely, that his side of the House were not to offer any opposition to the progress of bills which were not contested, and that, on the other hand, the Government should not at a late hour press forward any bill in respect of which notice of opposition had been given.
§ The Order of the Day read.