§ Viscount Sandonthought it would be for the general convenience of the House if his noble Friend (Lord Ashley) would take the earliest opportunity of stating the course he intended to pursue on Friday next, in reference to the limitation of the hours of labour in the Factories Bill.
§ Lord Ashleysaid, that his first impression, which had since been confirmed by the opinions of several of his friends on both sides of the House was, not to offer any opposition to the Government proposition to withdraw the Bill. It was, therefore, not his intention to oppose the Government on Friday, in their Motion for the withdrawal of the Bill. He was aware that he surrendered many advantages which he now possessed by adopting that course, but he thought it his duty on all occasions, when he could do so without conceding principle, to consult the wishes and convenience of the House and the Government.
§ Sir J. GrahamPerhaps I may be permitted to say—having given a notice which now stands for Friday evening with respect to the Bill lately discussed—that if such a proposal meets with the general assent of the House, I shall on Friday move for leave to bring in a Bill to alter the existing law as to Labour in Factories.