HC Deb 16 March 1864 vol 174 c161

Order for Second Reading read.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Hunt.)

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, a similar Bill had been introduced last year and referred to a Select Committee. The Bill, however, as now introduced, was consider ably different from the shape in which it was reported by that Committee, and its details would require great consideration. He should, however, not oppose the second reading.

SIR FRANCIS GOLDSMID

said, he feared that the effect of the Bill would be to discourage bona fide petitions. Parliament could not make a petitioner proceed against his will. He believed it would be impossible ever to make the Bill efficient, and in not opposing the second reading he wished to reserve to himself the liberty of moving its rejection on going into Committee.

MR. COLLINS

said, he was of the same opinion, and he hoped it would be understood that, in assenting to the second reading, the House did not pledge itself to the principle of the Bill.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read 2°, and committed for Wednesday, 20th April.