HC Deb 18 February 1862 vol 165 cc435-6
MR. BLACKBURN

said, he wished to ask the hon. Member for Pontefract, Whether, as his Marriages of Affinity Bill extends to Ireland and Scotland, it is his intention to proceed with the second reading on so early a day as to-morrow?

Mr. MONCKTON MILNES

said, he must beg to assure the hon. Member that his absence on the previous day, when the same question had been asked, was not attributable to want of courtesy. He had seen the question for the first time on his return to the House. A week had elapsed since he acceded to the desire which was expressed that the operation of this Bill should be extended to Ireland, and such an interval was surely sufficient. He had made arrangements which, he regretted to say, would prevent his acceding to the request now preferred by the hon. Gentleman.