§ MR. RITCHIEasked if it was the intention of the Government to press forward this Bill to-night, and why it was placed on the Paper every day, including those of private Members, which was a most inconvenient course?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINconsidered the course referred to an inconvenient one; but it had appeared to hint necessary in the circumstances of the case. The Bill had first been introduced as a Private Bill, in the hope of saving the time of the House. In deference to opinions 692 expressed by lion. Members on both sides of the House, it subsequently was introduced as a public measure. The re-introduction of the Bill was, however, deferred for three weeks in consequence of the Notices of opposition of the hon. and learned Member for Bridport (Mr. Warton); but having managed to catch the hon. and learned Member napping, he at last succeeded in introducing the measure. The second reading might have been taken on Friday; but in deference to the wishes of hon. Members opposite he undertook not to begin the discussion after 12 30. The Bill was then put down for Monday, and Notices of opposition were at once given by the noble Lord the Member for Woodstock (Lord Randolph Churchill) and the hon. Member for the City of London (Mr. Alderman Lawrence). There was, therefore, no other course for him to pursue than to put down the Bill in the Order Paper day after day. If the opposition to the House being called upon to give a verdict on the measure could be overcome, he would put the Bill down for an evening that would be convenient to those interested.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLUnder the circumstances stated by the President of the, Board of Trade, I will agree to remove my block to the Bill.