HC Deb 13 June 1871 vol 206 c2043
MR. P. A. TAYLOR

rose to move for leave to bring in a Bill to repeal the Act of the twenty-ninth year of Charles the Second, chapter seven, intituled "An Act for the better Observation of the Lord's Day, commonly called Sunday." The hon. Member urged that the Act he sought to repeal operated unjustly, especially upon the poorer class of tradespeople, many of whom had been subjected to prosecution at the instance of the Rev. Bee Wright, supported by other Sabbatarians, though the magistrates only imposed nominal fines upon the persons summoned. Moreover, the present Act did not stop working on Sundays, as had been proved on a late occasion in connection with the International Exhibition.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to repeal the Act of the twenty-ninth year of Charles the Second, chapter seven, intituled 'An Act for the better Observation of the Lord's Day, commonly called Sunday."—(Mr. Taylor.)

Debate arising.

Motion made, and Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Lord George Hamilton.)

The House divided:—Ayes 77; Noes 61: Majority 16.

Motion made, and Question put, "That this House do now adjourn." — (Mr. Newdegate.)

The House divided:—Ayes 58; Noes 67: Majority 9.

After further debate,

Debate adjourned till To-morrow.