§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERappealed to the hon. Member for the Tower Hamlets (Mr. Ritchie), who had charge of the Bill, not to proceed that evening with the second reading, although it stood first in the list of Orders of the Day. It would be a convenience to the Government to proceed with the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill, which should be disposed of with as little delay as possible.
§ MR. RITCHIEsaid, it was rather a hard thing to ask a private Member to postpone a Bill at that period of the Session when it was in such a good position upon the Paper, although it might have gained it by an accident. He would, however, yield to the appeal of the right hon. Gentleman, on condition that the other Bills standing on the Paper in the names of private Members were also postponed.
§ Second Reading deferred till Tuesday 7th May.
§ Notice taken, that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members being found present,