HC Deb 23 February 1859 vol 152 cc740-1

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. COLLINS

said, he rose to move the second reading of this Bill, the object of which was to assimilate the time of giving notice of elections all over the kingdom, and also for assimilating the time allowed for polling in Ireland, namely, two days, to the system pursued in England, which confined it to one day. As, however, there was some difficulty about the latter proposition, he should not press that clause which referred to it. The next provision was to alter the period of elections during the recess of Parliament, which was now fourteen days, to six. Another clause proposed to reduce the time in which a bankrupt Member of the House whose bankruptcy was not annulled was allowed to hold his seat from twelve months to four.

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

MR. WHITESIDE

asked, if the Bill applied to Ireland.

MR. COLLINS

said, that the first clause with regard to notices assimilated the practices of elections in Ireland and England. The second clause altering the time of polling in Ireland he should not press.

MR. J. D. FITZGERALD

suggested the postponement of the debate.

MR. COLLINS

assented.

Debate adjourned till Wednesday next.