HC Deb 28 April 1858 vol 149 cc1919-20

Order for Second Reading read.

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

MR. HEADLAM

said, he knew it would not be convenient to enter upon a discussion of this Bill within half an hour of the adjournment of the House. Still he thought he had some ground on which to make an appeal to the indulgence of the House. The Bill stood first on the Notice Paper on a Wednesday before the Easter holidays, but he postponed it then at the request of the Government, who wished to examine its provisions. Since then he had bad no opportunity of bringing the measure forward till now. What he proposed, therefore, was this—to allow the Bill to be read a second time pro formâ, on the clear understanding that the discussion on the merits should be taken on going into Committee, which he proposed to fix for the 13th of May.

SIR JAMES DUKE

said, he should move that the House do now adjourn. This was one of the most important Bills which had ever been brought before the House of Commons, and he certainly could not allow the second reading to be taken sub silentio.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, he must beg to remind the hon. and learned Member that he intended to-morrow to move, that Orders of the day have precedence of notices of Motion on Thursdays on and after the 13th of May, and this would give the hon. and learned Gentleman an opportunity of bringing on the second reading of his Bill.

MR. HEADLAM

said, that if there was any objection to his Motion he would withdraw it.

MR. WALPOLE

suggested, that the hon. and learned Gentleman should fix the second reading for the 20th of May, and not the 13th of May, as it was probable that that evening would be occupied by the discussion on church rates.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Original Question, by leave, withdrawn.

Second Reading deferred till Thursday, 13th May.