§ Further Proceeding on Consideration, as amended, resumed.
§ Clause (Publication of ex parte statements before a magistrate, &c.,)—(Mr. Warton,)—brought up, and read the first time.
452§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the said Clause be now read a second time.
§ MR. HUTCHINSONsaid, the hon. and learned Member for Bridport (Mr. Warton) had moved a new clause to the Bill, which was entirely at variance with its principle and purpose, and to which he therefore objected.
§ SIR HARDINGE GIFFARDsaid, the Bill had really not been discussed at all. It constituted about the greatest alteration which had been made in the law on the subject now before the House, and it was, therefore, undesirable that it should be passed at that hour (2.5 a.m.).
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Sir Hardinge Giffard.)
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)contended that the Bill had been fully discussed. It had been before a Select Committee, and, as they had now arrived at what was a very narrow point, raised by the hon. and learned Member for Bridport (Mr. Warton), and which had merely reference to the publication of ex parte statements before magistrates, he sincerely trusted the House would not agree to the Motion for adjournment.
§ Notice taken, that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present,
§ House adjourned at a quarter after Two o'clock.