§ Order for second reading read.
§ MR. WALPOLEsaid, he hoped the hon. and learned Gentleman (Mr. Serjeant Shee) would not press the second reading, as the Bill had not been yet delivered.
§ MR. SERJEANT SHEEsaid, he had not the slightest desire to press it, if the Bill was not in the hands of hon. Members.
§ MR. KEOGHsaid, that his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department was quite willing that the Bill should receive a second reading.
2060 It was a Bill that had passed in a former Session, coupled with a Bill regarding leasing powers.
§ MR. SERJEANT SHEEIf the second reading be opposed seriously, I am quite willing to postpone it; but is there any serious opposition to it?
§ MR. WHITESIDEsaid, he hoped that when this important Bill was again brought before the House there would be some person present on the part of the Government to discuss its principles. He was surprised to hear that an arrangement had been made between the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the hon. and learned Gentleman the Solicitor General for Ireland, to allow this Bill to pass, when in the Committee that sat upon it the First Lord of the Treasury stated that he objected to the principles of the Bill, as the most extraordinary he had ever heard of.
§ MR. KEOGHsaid, he must deny that he had said that there was any arrangement entered into between the Secretary for the Home Department and the hon. and learned Gentleman who had charge of the Bill.
§ MR. NAPIERsaid, he would give notice that he should inquire whether the Members of the Government would be content to support the portion of the Bill that constitutes the tenants' compensation part of it, as well as the remaining portion of it.
§ Second reading deferred till Wednesday, 18th of April.