HC Deb 24 July 1854 vol 135 cc689-90

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

LORD SEYMOUR

said, he considered the principle contained in the Bill to be most objectionable, and he would press upon the noble Lord the Home Secretary the propriety of withdrawing it, and either bringing in a modified Bill, or deferring the subject until next Session. If the noble Lord would not accede to his suggestion, he should move that the Bill be read a second time that day three months.

MR. IRTON

said, he would second the Amendment proposed to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day three months."

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

said, the Bill had come down from the House of Lords, and a great portion of it was to consolidate existing enactments. It was proposed, however, to take certain additional powers, some of which would be found to be necessary, and others might be modified. Cholera had now made its appearance in the metropolis and other places in a severe form, and he felt that it was necessary to pass some such measure as this. If it was too late to discuss it now, and it was thought desirable, he had no objection to consent to the postponement of the second reading till Wednesday.

MR. HENLEY

said, he thought it would be far better to withdraw the Bill altogether. The present law was extremely stringent, and he believed the additions contained in the present Bill would be found very objectionable.

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

said, that no one was less desirous than himself to give unnecessary trouble, and, though he thought the Bill would be beneficial, with certain modifications, he would not press the second reading in the present feeling of the House.

Question "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question" put, and negatived;

Words added; Main Question, as amended, put, and agreed to.

Bill put off for three months.

The House adjourned at half after One o'clock.