HC Deb 16 May 1881 vol 261 cc670-1

Motion made, and Question proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Laws relating to patronage, simony, and exchange of Benefices in the Church of England."—(Mr. E. Stanhope.)

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

asked the hon. Gentleman opposite to explain the nature of this Bill.

MR. E. STANHOPE

pointed out that the proposed Bill contained exactly those proposals which the Prime Minister had said would meet with the support of the Government. The other portions of the former Bill would stand over for further consideration. As soon as leave was given to introduce the Bill, he should move that the former Order be discharged.

MR. ILLINGWORTH

rose to Order. He wished to know whether it was competent for an hon. Member, having already one Bill before the House, to introduce another upon the same subject before the original Order was discharged?

MR. SPEAKER

The procedure of the hon. Member is quite regular.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

said, he had given his hon. Friend opposite (Mr. Illingworth) his assistance on a previous occasion in dividing against the former Bill. He hardly knew what course his hon. Friend was about to pursue; but if he intended to persist in obstructive action, as formerly, he should give him his cordial support.

MR. DILLWYN

asked whether the Motion should not have been brought before the Committee of the Whole House?

MR. SPEAKER

I see no ground for that course being taken.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Tillett.)

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)

said, he thought the course proposed was somewhat discourteous to the hon. Gentleman opposite, who was simply asking leave to introduce a Bill which the Prime Minister had intimated would receive the support of the Government.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

thought the other Bill should be withdrawn before leave was given, otherwise there would be two Bills running at the same time.

MR. E. STANHOPE

said, it was quite impossible for him to accede to this suggestion. The moment he received permission to bring in the second Bill he should withdraw the first. He was much indebted to his hon. and learned Friend the Attorney General for the manner in which he had urged the House to agree to his Motion. One of the chief objections raised to the first Bill was that hon. Members opposite were in ignorance as to the clauses which would be proceeded with. They then considered that a new Bill should be introduced, and now opposed him in carrying out their own suggestion.

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.