MR. BRIGHTSir, I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether there is any truth in the statements that have been lately published—that it is the intention of the Government, if the Representation of the People Bill be read a second time, that the Committee shall be postponed till after Easter; or, whether, pursuant to the impression he gave the House, as to sitting in. Committee from day to day, he will move for the Bill going into Committee on the very first opportunity after the Second Reading?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, I am not aware of the existence of the reports referred to by the hon. Member. They may, perhaps, have emanated from some journal with which the hon. Member is more familiar than myself. [Mr. BRIGHT: The Morning Post.] There is no authority, however, for such a statement. The time has not yet come for considering the question as to when we shall go into Committee on a Bill which has not yet been read a second time. In due time I shall make a proper announcement as to the course which the Government will adopt.