HC Deb 06 July 1877 vol 235 cc865-7

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

MR. BIGGAR

moved that the Chairman report Progress. It was too late an hour (1.30 a.m.) to discuss Business properly.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Mr. Biggar.)

MR. CALLAN

protested against the Irish Members obstructing English Bills. ["Hear, hear!"] Well, he was not afraid, in spite of that intimidating "Hear, hear." This opposition to the Bill was unfair, and he did not want the alliance of the hon. Member for Peterborough.

MR. PARNELL

said, it was a question of principle. They struggled against the conduct of Business at that hour of the morning.

MR. BIGGAR

said, he should divide the House on the Question of reporting Progress.

Question put.

The Committee divided:—Ayes 5; Noes 96: Majority 91.—(Div. List, No. 221.)

AYES—Kirk, G. H. O'Gorman, P. O'Conor,D.M. O'Sullivan, W. Whalley, G. H. TELLERS—Mr. Biggar and Mr. Parnell.

MR. PARNELL

moved that the Chairman leave the Chair.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do now leave the Chair."—(Mr. Parnell.)

MR. O'SULLIVAN

said, he must be consistent. He should oppose everything after 12 o'clock.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

suggested that his hon. Friend the Member for East Sussex (Mr. Gregory) should, under the circumstances, accept the proposal to suspend further Progress with the Bill on the present occasion.

Question put.

The Committee divided:—Ayes 5; Noes 98: Majority 93.—(Div. List, No. 222.)

MR. BIGGAR

moved to report Progress. Really these Gentlemen were too persevering. He insisted that this Bill should not pass that night.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Mr. Biggar.)

MR. C. B. DENISON

I protest against the hon. Member's language. Does he think he can threaten the House? It is high time we should put a stop to this.

MR. PARNELL

I rise to Order. I have heard an hon. Member use the word "blackguard." I wish to know if it is in Order.

THE CHAIRMAN

That language, of course, is not Parliamentary.

MR. C. B. DENISON

said, they must not be compelled to close the House at any particular hour.

MR. PARNELL

said, these late Sittings were bringing the House into contempt. The Bill had been opposed on the ground that there were important Amendments on it, and there was not time to discuss it. Members had been insulted, and those who had given the insult had not the courage to apologize. Neither he nor his hon. Friend (Mr. Biggar) were responsible for this scene.

MR. GREGORY

said, he was responsible, so far as such responsibility attached, to persevering with the Bill; but as this kind of opposition was tolerated, he should withdraw the Bill for the present. The Bill had been approved by all the Judges and by the Profession, and the Bill facilitated the admission of Irishmen into the Profession in England.

MR. BUTT

said, he thought the opposition to the Bill very unfair. Of course, he accepted the statement of the hon. Member who had just spoken. The Bill was practically unopposed. He earnestly asked the opponents of the Bill to withdraw their opposition.

MR. BELL

said, he had used the word to which the hon. Member (Mr. Parnell) alluded; but it was uttered inadver- tently, and without the least intention that it should reach the ears of any hon. Member. He expressed his deep regret for having used the word.

MR. BLAKE

hoped the Bill would be proceeded with. He had sat up the whole of the other night in protesting against the proceedings of this small minority, and he was prepared to stay again to-night.

MR. WHALLEY

protested against Members assuming superior airs over their fellows.

MR. BIGGAR

expressed his regret for using the word "insist," but he should not flinch from his position.

MR. ANDERSON

trusted the House was not prepared to enter upon another struggle such as that which terminated at a late hour the other morning.

MR. PARNELL

said, there was no desire to postpone the Bill if brought on at a proper time.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

said, the Bill would confer benefits on law students coming from Ireland. If the half-past 12 o'clock rule were to be rigidly adhered to, it would be impossible for the Bill to be passed this Session. He trusted that the hon. Member would withdraw his Motion for reporting Progress. At that hour he hoped the House would refrain from dividing again, and so avoid a repetition of the scene of the other night.

MAJOR O'GORMAN

said, the hon. Member (Mr. Gregory) was willing to withdraw, but he was forced to go on by those behind him. Therefore, hon. Members opposite were responsible.

Question put.

The Committee divided:— Ayes 4; Noes 78: Majority 74.—(Div. List, No. 223.)

MR. PARNELL

moved that the Chairman leave the Chair.

MR. GREGORY

said, if the Motion were withdrawn, he should assent to reporting Progress.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

MR. GREGORY

moved to report Progress.

Motion agreed to.

Committee report Progress; to sit again To-morrow, at Two of the clock.