§ MR. NORWOODsaid, he wished to ask the Vice President of the Board of Trade, Whether he can fix an early day for the second reading of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Bill?
§ MR. STEPHEN CAVEsaid, in reply, that this was a Bill which excited much interest among the commercial classes. It had been, indeed, introduced in consequence of a strong desire very generally expressed for some time past. Since, however, it had been before the House, exception had been taken to certain of its provisions by Members whose opinions were entitled to the highest respect. The Board of Trade had endeavoured to frame Amendments which might obviate some, at least, of their objections. He hoped to lay these on the table in a few days, and he should be glad if, after this had been done, hon. Members would allow the Bill to be read a second time in order that it might be re-printed, and consent to take the discussion at a later stage. Indeed, he should be very willing to refer the Bill to a Select Committee, in which he thought matters involving so much detail and technicality would be discussed more readily than in Committee of the Whole House. The Bill was on the Notice Paper for Monday, but it would be impossible to take it on that day, and he need not say that so long as the House was absorbed in the consideration of one all-important measure, it would be extremely difficult to make progress with any other which might lead to protracted debate.