HC Deb 05 May 1865 vol 178 cc1571-2

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Amendment proposed to Question [27th April], "That the Bill be now read a second time;" and which Amendment was, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day six months."—(Mr. Edward Craufurd.)

Question again proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

Debate resumed.

MR. CARNEGIE

said, he understood that the learned Lord Advocate had consented to hold a meeting of the Scottish Members to consider this Bill, and that it was not therefore the intention of the hon. and learned Member for the Ayr burghs (Mr. Craufurd) to persevere with the Amendment which he had moved on the second reading.

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

said, he wished to know whether the Bill of the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. Dunlop) upon the same subject, and which the majority of Members from Scotland believed to be a better Bill than that of the Lord Advocate, was to be read a second time, so that the two Bills might be considered together. If that were not done, it would be under a great disadvantage as compared with the rival measure.

THE LORD ADVOCATE

said, he understood that his hon. and learned Friend who moved the Amendment did not intend to divide on the second reading of the Bill, with the understanding that there should be a meeting of Scotch Members to consider the measure after the second reading. Beyond that no undertaking had been made by him (the Lord Advocate), and he intended to carry the Bill this Session if possible. The Scotch Members would meet to discuss, and not to decide upon the provisions of the Bill, and every Member would be perfectly free to take what course he might think proper. With regard to the Bill of the hon. Member for Greenock, he had given no pledge whatever, and it was his present intention to oppose it.

MR. DUNLOP

said, he approved of the course which was proposed to be taken. His object in introducing his Bill was, that the whole question should be considered by a Select Committee. He had no desire that the Bill of his hon. and learned Friend should be rejected, but he held himself free to take what course he might think best.

MR. CRAUFURD

said, he would adopt the course which had been taken on the understanding that the Bill would be brought before the meeting of Scotch Members and that he would be at liberty to reserve to himself the right of action when the Bill next came before the House.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 2°, and committed for Monday next.