§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer.)
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, he did not wish to obstruct the progress of the Bill if it was to be discussed. The right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer had stated that it was a point of honour that it should be brought in on a particular night. For himself, he thought the wish expressed early in the evening by the hon. Member (Mr. Darby Griffith) was a very reasonable one—namely, that some explanation should be given of the provisions of the measure, and that it should not pass through its stages merely as a matter of course. It had not been expected that it would come on at all that night. He did not object to the principle on which it was based, but there was a great deal in the Bill which showed that it had been drawn up hastily, inconsiderately, and without reference to the existing law of bribery, particularly as to the local inquiries which 1913 it was proposed should take place under it. He was not then about to enter into the question; but would only say, that if he agreed to the second reading he must reserve to himself the right of making any statement which he might think fit with regard to it on the Motion for going into Committee. The House, he thought, would not be treated quite fairly if a Bill of that importance was pressed on without some explanation of its provisions being given by the Government.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, he would not press the second reading against the feeling of the House; but he thought they might have taken the discussion on a subsequent stage. If the right hon. Gentleman objected to the second reading he would not persevere; but if the Bill were now read a second time they might have a general discussion on the question of the Motion for going into Committee.
§ Motion agreed to.