HC Deb 09 June 1876 vol 229 cc1662-3

Further Proceeding on Second Reading resumed.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Wheelhouse.)

MR. MUNDELLA

said, that the Bill would have the effect of rendering municipal elections political, while at present they were non-political. He should, therefore, move the Adjournment of the Debate.

Motion made, and Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Mundella.)

The House divided:—Ayes 33; Noes 41: Majority 8.

Question again proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. ROWLEY HILL

moved the Adjournment of the House, urging that it was most unfair that it should be proceeded with now, when it was understood that the Bill was not to come on, and most of its opponents were absent in consequence.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—(Mr. Rowley Hill.)

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

said, he had voted for the Adjournment of the Debate because he felt that there was a great diversity of opinion on the Bill; but the House having expressed itself upon that point, he did not feel that he ought to interfere further with the discussion of the Bill at that stage.

SIR HENRY JAMES

said, that the Bill involved a most serious and impor- tant change in the conduct of municipal elections, and required hours for its thorough discussion. That being so, he thought it most improper that an attempt should now be made to force on the discussion of the Bill, when, contrary to what had been the expectation, it was called on only fifteen seconds before half-past 12 o'clock, after which, by the Rule of the House, unopposed Business could not be taken.

Question put.

The House divided:—Ayes 21; Noes 47: Majority 26.

Question again proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. RAMSAY

said, that justice had not been done to hon. Members on his side of the House in pressing on this discussion at so late an hour, and he therefore moved the Adjournment of the Debate.

MR. WHEELHOUSE

said, that perhaps after what had occurred it would be better to adjourn, and he, therefore, assented to the Motion.

Motion agreed to.

Debate adjourned till Tuesday next.