§ MR. BULLERsaid, he wished to inquire whether the Conveyance of Mails by Railway Bill would come on for discussion that night, seeing that it was on the Order of the day?
MR. WILSONsaid, it might be convenient to many hon. Members that he should state what course the Government intended to pursue with regard to this Bill. The subject to which this Bill related was one of great importance, and one with regard to which Committees had at various periods made Reports. Many of the existing arrangements with regard to the conveyance of mails had been found very inconvenient, and the Bill had been framed with the view of remedying those defects. The provisions of the Bill had been very much misunderstood, and he had been exceedingly anxious for the second reading of the Bill, because it would have afforded an opportunity of explaining to those who were interested in railways the real objects in view. However, in the present state of public business, it appeared almost impossible that there should be an opportunity for fair discussion, especially as the Mouse of Lords had determined to limit to a very early day the reception of Bills from that House; and he regretted that the more, because he believed that if the Bill were really understood, railway directors would be far more disposed to acquiesce in it than they were at present. Under those circumstances, he should move that the Order of the Day for the second reading be discharged from the paper; and he should introduce the Bill again early next Session.
§ Order for Second reading read, and discharged. Bill withdrawn.