HC Deb 11 July 1881 vol 263 c620

Order for Second Reading read.

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

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

said, he should like to know what was in the Bill. The House had been so hard pressed with other matters that he had not had time to read it.

MR. CHILDERS

said, he would be happy to give any explanation that might be wished; but, in point of fact, the Bill, except one clause, was a collection of extremely small Amendments which had accumulated during the last two years. The only clause of importance was the 5th, which related to the Reserves, and which enabled a second Reserve to be formed for four years of men who had completed their 12 years' engagement. The remainder of the Bill would not require much discussion.

MR. ONSLOW

said, that the Bill appeared to deal with matters of detail, and it had not been circulated very long.

MR. CHILDERS

More than a week.

MR. ONSLOW

said, there was one point on which the wished to ask a question. It was to be found in the Schedule, and was for the removal of doubts in confirming sentences of courts martial in the East Indies. He did not know that this matter had been discussed before. What was the intention in repealing the Act 7 & 8 Vict. for Removing Doubts, &c. of Court Martial Sentences in the East Indies?

MR. CHILDERS

said, this was a very small point, and the particular provision in the Schedule would be better explained in Committee. The repealed Acts were for the most part obsolete, including the one referred to by the hon. Member.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

hoped that the next stage would be fixed for a time that would allow of discussion.

MR. CHILDERS

said, that would be done.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Thursday.