§ LORD J. RUSSELLbrought in a Bill for the relief of Her Majesty's subjects professing the Jewish religion. Read a first time. On the question that it be read a second time on Monday, the 7th of February,
§ COLONEL SIBTHORPwanted to know what further alterations in the law the Government intended to propose for the protection of Jews who might be elected to seats in that House. The House sometimes met on Saturdays, and Members of Election Committees which sat on Saturdays were liable to heavy penalties if they did not attend. How did the Government propose to meet this difficulty? He believed the day was not far distant when they would have a Mahometan sitting in the House, and that at the instance and recommendation of the noble Lord.
§ LORD J. RUSSELLI understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman to ask me, what is to happen if the House sits on a Saturday, and requires the attendance of any Jewish Member of this House? I believe the usual course is, supposing there is a call of the House, and a Member does not attend, that he is taken into the custody of the Serjeant at Arms, and afterwards discharged on the payment of his fees. I think if it should so happen that there should be a call of the House on a Saturday—[Colonel SIBTHORP: Friday night.]—I say I think I can answer for it that Members of the Jewish persuasion would be very well content to pay the penalty.
§ Motion agreed to.