§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. BLACKBURNsaid, he must complain that the Bill had been so short a time in Members' hands, and the last two days were in the holidays, when Members had not the opportunity of delivering their opinions.
§ THE LORD ADVOCATEsaid, the Bill was introduced at the express desire of Members of both sides of the House, who were anxious that it should come into force during the present year, which it could not do unless it passed at once. Its object was merely to assimilate the practice in Scotland to that in England.
§ MR. DUNLOPsaid, he hoped the Bill might pass its second reading. He would remind the House of the tacit understanding, when the Premier gave out last Friday that they were not to be too strict in opposing the passing of Bills after twelve o'clock.
§ Bill read 2o.
§ Notice taken, that Forty Members were not present; House counted; and Forty Members not being present,
§ The House was adjourned at a quarter before One o'clock.