HC Deb 22 June 1857 vol 146 cc193-4

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. ALCOCK

hoped, if they meant to discuss the Bill, that the order for the second reading would be postponed, as at that hour of the morning (twenty minutes past twelve) it would be impossible to discuss it.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, he was under the impression that no one objected to the Bill. It differed considerably from the Bill which had been before the House on a former occasion, and its main provision was to give certain powers to magistrates for the purposes of aiding in the establishment of reformatory schools. There was a measure before the other House which stood over until this measure should come before that House. It was, therefore, desirable that no unnecessary delay should take place, and, moreover, it would be difficult to name a day for the second reading of the Bill, if it was not proceeded with at that time.

MR. MILES

hoped his hon. Friend would withdraw his opposition to the Bill being read a second time. He had no doubt that when the Bill went into Committee, provisions would be introduced to rectify its defects, and prevent the admission of boys of sixteen and upwards into the same establishment with younger children. By such indiscriminate association, the younger children were only corrupted and the discipline of the school destroyed. He looked upon the Bill now introduced as a compromise between the system supported by voluntary efforts and that by which the expense of the schools was provided for out of the county rates; and considering the great benefits which would be obtained by the establishment of these schools, he thought that the Bill would meet with the support of both classes.

MR. ALCOCK

was again about to address the House, when he was stopped by cries of "Order."

MR. MAGUIRE

trusted the hon. Gen- tleman would not withdraw his Amendment, because, as there was a difference on the principle of the measure, the Government ought not to press it forward at half-past twelve at night.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

also complained at the Bill being pressed that night.

MR. HENLEY

hoped, that when the Bill went into Committee, a provision would be introduced by which the children in counties where no reformatory schools could be established, by reason of the smallness of the number, might be admitted into the reformatories of the neighbouring counties on the payment of a weekly, monthly, or annual sum. He did not wish that there should be any alteration in the principle of the measure.

Motion made, and question put, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

House divided:—Ayes 154; Noes 6: Majority 148.

Bill read 2°, and committed for Thursday.