HC Deb 20 July 1882 vol 272 cc1170-1

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be read a second time upon Saturday next."—(Mr. J. N. Richardson.)

MR. DODSON

said, he would appeal to the hon. Member not to ask that this Bill should be set down for Saturday. The hon. Member would gain nothing by doing so, because the number of Government Bills put down for Saturday was such that no other Bill could be brought on at an hour when the House would consent to sit on Saturday. He thought there was a general understanding on the part of the House that no Bills would be set down for Saturday except Government Bills, and to put this Bill down for Saturday would certainly lead to misconception. He did not make this appeal to the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Richardson) in any spirit of hostility to the Bill.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

said, if private Members were willing to come down on Saturday, he saw no reason why the Bill should not be put down for Saturday.

MR. BLAKE

said, there was just a chance of the Bill being reached on Saturday; and, therefore, he advised the hon. Member to persevere with his Motion. The Bill was of very great importance to the people of Ireland.

MR. J. N. RICHARDSON

said, he did not regard this as his Bill, but as a Government Bill. It was brought in at the instance of the Government, and at the request of the Government. Thanks to the kindness of certain hon. Gentlemen opposite, he had had no opportunity of getting this Bill read a second time, or even discussed. He must appeal to the Government to allow the Bill to be taken on Saturday.

MR. W. E. PORSTER

said, he would not enter into the question whether this was a Government Bill or not; but he must say it was most important this matter should be settled this year. It was impossible that the Act could be allowed to expire, and he believed there was a general feeling on the part of Irish Members to come down on Saturday with the view of the Bill being then taken. He hoped the Government would agree to the Motion.

DR. LYONS

said, there was a strong feeling in Ireland against the Bill. He did not see what was to be gained by putting the second reading down for Saturday; there was no chance of its coming on, and, therefore, he should vote against the Motion.

MR. WARTON moved that the second reading be fixed for Monday. Earlier in the evening a distinct pledge was given by the Government that nothing but Government Business would be taken on Saturday. Were they to put any faith at all in the pledges of the Government?

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "Saturday," in order to insert the word "Monday,"—(Mr. Warton,)—instead thereof.

Question proposed, "That the word 'Saturday' stand part of the Question."

MR. DODDS

said, he did not often agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman (Mr. Warton); but he did so on the present occasion. If this Bill were put down for Saturday, the inevitable result would be that other Business would be prolonged to prevent this Bill being brought on, and the Government would not succeed in getting through the Business which it was important should be transacted. As a matter of prudence, he appealed to the Government to support the proposition of the hon. and learned Member for Bridport (Mr. Warton).

Question put.

The House divided:—Aves 30; Noes 25: Majority 5.—(Div. List, No. 285.)

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Second Beading upon Saturday next.