SECOND READING DEFERRED. (Hansard, 28 April 1862)

§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER
said, he should be glad to know how the matter stood, as he wished to be guided in taking the second reading of the Bill by the convenience of the House. Due notice had been given of the second reading of the Bill, and no notice or intimation appeared of any intention to question the Bill in that stage; but he had received intimation that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Buckinghamshire was under the impression that Supply would come on, and that the Bill would not be taken that evening. So far as the collection of the revenue was concerned, it would, no doubt, be convenient that the 973 Bill should go forward with despatch; but there was no such urgency as to render it necessary to pass the second reading then if it were inconvenient to the House, or if any misunderstanding existed on the subject. Perhaps the right hon. Baronet opposite could inform him how the matter stood.

§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE
said, he believed he could state what was the impression on the mind of his right hon. Friend the Member for Buckinghamshire. He find some conversation with his right hon. Friend on Saturday; and though there was not the slightest intention on the part of the right hon. Gentleman to throw any impediment in the way of the second reading of the Bill, it had been his intention to offer some remarks on the general financial position of affairs, and he (Sir S. Northcote) had himself intended to make other remarks, partly having reference to the speech of the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Manchester last week, That morning he had heard from the right hon. Member for Buckinghamshire that he hail been informed by the noble Viscount the First Minister of the Crown that it was not intended to proceed with the Bill that night; and the right hon. Gentleman was, at that moment, he believed, dining with the Lord Mayor. There would not be the slightest intention of opposing the passing of the Bill; and if the Government thought it desirable to proceed with it to-night, he was quite sure, speaking as far as he was en titled to do for his right hon. Friend, there would be no objection to that course.

§ MR. SPEAKER
This conversation cannot go on. There is no question before the House.

§ MAJOR EDWARDS
wished to know whether Committees would sit on Thursday.

§ SIR GEORGE GREY
said, he thought it would probably be for the convenience of Members serving on Committees that they should not meet on Thursday.

§ MR. BASS
said, he wished to express a hope that before proceeding with the second reading of the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill, the Chancellor of the Exchequer would obtain that information which was so necessary with regard to the stock of hops on which he would have to pay drawback.

§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER
said, he would postpone the second reading of the Bill till Thursday next.