HC Deb 30 April 1863 vol 170 c1036

Order for Second Reading read.

Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time.—(Sir George Grey.)

MR. LYGON

said, he had the honour of serving on the Select Committee to which the Act was referred, which this Bill proposed to amend, and he thought it due to the House that some explanation should be given of the necessity for amendment.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, there was no Member of the Government present who could explain it.

LORD ROBERT CECIL

said, that the second reading of a Bill should not be moved in the absence of the Member of the Government who had charge of it, as the Government would be open to the obvious interpretation that they took the chance of getting a Bill through without opposition.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, that notice of opposition was required; and if notice had been given, he should not have moved the second reading: but he had no objection to adjourn the debate.

MR. LYGON

said, that the title of the Bill indicated that it was a matter of some complexity.

Second Reading deferred till To-morrow.