HC Deb 04 August 1883 vol 282 c1595

Order for Committee read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."

MR WARTON

said, he should oppose the Motion. The mode in which Bills were introduced in the other House was most unsatisfactory, as nobody knew who laid them upon the Table, or was responsible for them.

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. and learned Member has not yet addressed himself to the Question before the House.

MR. WARTON

said, as to the Bill itself, it was a piece of Puritanical legislation, and an unwarrantable interference with the liberty of the subject. It had been got up by persons affected by the temperance craze, and who wished to see how much they could annoy other people. It was, in reality, a blow struck at public-houses, because they were obnoxious to hon. Gentlemen opposite. Why should not a man spend money in drink if he chose? This was merely grandmotherly legislation.

MR KNIGHT

said, he also regarded the measure as most objectionable.

Question put.

The House divided:—Ayes 66; Noes 13: Majority 53.—(Div. List, No. 261.)

Bill considered in Committee; Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Monday next.