HC Deb 09 July 1883 vol 281 cc830-1

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Order for the Second Reading be discharged."

COLONEL ALEXANDER

said, that the statement made by the Prime Minister on this subject would be received with great regret by the Police in Great Britain. It would have been better not to have brought forward the Bill at all than not to press it to a conclusion. In the case of the Scottish Police there was no superannuation at all. He hoped, however, that the Bill would be mentioned in the Queen's Speech of next Session, and pressed forward early.

SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSON

hoped that, on account of the opposition the Bill had encountered, it would be introduced early next Session, so as to allow of the questions it raised being thoroughly threshed out.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

said he was glad of the opportunity to express his extreme regret that the Bill would not be passed this Session. It was due in justice to the Police Force of the United Kingdom. But, unfortunately, it had encountered such a strong combination of violent opposition from the side of the House to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman belonged, that the Government, seeing no chance of its passing, had no alternative but to withdraw it.

Question put, and agreed to.

Order discharged; Bill withdrawn.