§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Sir Hervey Bruce)
§ MR. TOMLINSONsaid, this was a very important Bill, and it was desirable to know what view the country took of it. In many parts, and especially in Lancashire, there was a strong feeling with regard to it; the belief being that it would bring a number of people who were not natives of England on the poor rates, without their having previously given any benefit to this part of the country. Several Members who wished to discuss the measure were not here, and he therefore moved the Adjournment of the Debate.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Tomlinson.)
§ SIR HERVEY BRUCEsaid, the Bill was not new to the House, and had only been snuffed out earlier in the Session by a technical error.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEopposed the Motion, regarding the hour as one when a Bill of this sort might be discussed. If it were discussed upon its merits, the Government would support the second reading; but, no doubt, there would be Amendments moved from various quarters in Committee.
§ MR. RAMSAYobjected to a measure of this kind being passed through at the instance of a private Member. It was not right that the Government should say they would support the Bill, and not accept the responsibility of bringing the measure before the country. He gladly supported the Motion. He had sat upon a Committee which inquired into this subject, and the Bill did not carry out what he thought was the intention of that Committee.
§ MR. C. H. JAMESsaid, he hoped the House would not agree to the Bill, for it interfered with a law which had worked very well. He should vote for the Motion.
§ Question put.
§ The House divided:—Ayes 54; Noes 20: Majority 34.—(Div. List, No. 182.)
§ Second Heading deferred till Monday next.
§ House adjourned at a quarter after One o'clock till Monday next.