HC Deb 19 April 1875 vol 223 c1274

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clauses 1 to 3, inclusive, agreed to.

Clause 4 (Abusing a girl above twelve years of age and under fourteen years of age).

MR. RUSSELL GURNEY

proposed to amend the clause by making the age of consent 13 years, instead of 14.

Amendment proposed, in page 7, line 23, to leave out the word "fourteen" and insert the word "thirteen."—(Mr. Russell Gurney.)

MR. SULLIVAN

impressed upon the Committee the strong feeling which existed on this subject out-of-doors, and supported the original proposal.

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

supported the Amendment.

MR. MONK

opposed it.

Question put, "That the word 'fourteen' stand part of the Clause."

The Committee divided:—Ayes 24; Noes 65: Majority 41.

Clause, as amended, agreed to.

Remaining clauses agreed to.

House resumed.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered upon Friday 30th April.