§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill he now read a Second Time."
§ SIR G. GREYin moving the Second Reading of the Bill said, he had had communication with various parties connected with coal mines, and had received from them suggestions which he was perfectly ready to insert in the Bill, which it was known to the House had originated in the House of Lords, where there were many large coal-mine proprietors.
§ MR. FORSTERhoped the right hon. Baronet would not press the second reading at that late hour (a quarter to six o'clock).
§ MR. HUMEsaid the measure was one of great importance, and every suggestion would he fully attended to in Committee. He hoped his hon. Friend would give way, as assenting to that stage of the Bill was merely saying that some steps should he taken to put a stop to those lamentable accidents. The subject would receive the fullest attention in Committee.
§ COLONEL SIBTHORPopposed the Bill, on the ground that it would lead to the appointment of a number of officers with large salaries.
§ MR. WYLDhoped the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary would press the Bill. It had received the approbation of the large body of the miners of this country.
§ MR. ALEXANDER HASTIEsaid, the Bill had passed the other House without discussion; it was, therefore, of essential consequence that it should receive the most full and calm consideration in that House. He should oppose their proceeding with it.
§ SIR G. GREYsaid, that it had undergone a long discussion in the other House, and had there met with the approval of many of the largest coal proprietors.
§ MR. WAWNsaid, the right hon. Baronet had not given a single reason why they should proceed with that Bill; he should therefore move that the debate be adjourned.
§ Motion made, and Question put, "That the debate be now adjourned."
604§ The House divided:—Ayes 15; Noes 54: Majority 39.
§ And it being Six of the clock, Mr. Speaker adjourned the House till To-morrow, without putting the Question.