§ Bill considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee.)
§ Clause 2 (Interpretation).
§ MR. DILLWYNsaid, that in consequence of the lateness of the hour, he would move that the Chairman report Progress, and ask leave to sit again.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHhoped the hon. Member would not persevere in his Motion. He had consulted with the Irish Members with reference to the Bill, and they were all agreed upon it.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ MR. MELDON moved that the Chairman report Progress.
MR. GOLDSMIDsaid, that in his eight years' experience in the House he had never known so many late sittings before Easter. Persistence in such a course prevented business of importance being reported in the public papers, and unfairly taxed the endurance of hon. Members. There were many Amendments to this measure, and he thought that they ought not at that late hour to be asked to proceed further with it.
§ Motion made, and Question put, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Mr. Meldon.)
§ The Committee divided:—Ayes 23; Noes 115: Majority 92.
§ MR. DILLWYNsaid, the House had recently been sitting late at the instance of the Government, and he should therefore move that the Chairman do leave the Chair.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYsaid, he was afraid that if the House were to continue sitting so late night after night he should not survive.
§ MR. M'CARTHY DOWNING.hoped that the right hon. Gentleman the Chief Secretary for Ireland would not press the Bill.
§ MR. BUTTasked the right hon. Gentleman upon whom the expenses incurred under the Bill would fall?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHsaid, they would fall upon the rates. In England they were not paid out of the Consolidated Fund. Seeing the opposition with regard to proceeding with the Committee he would not press it.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ House resumed.
§ Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Monday next.