§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."— (Mr. Hibbert.)
§ MR. GREGORYappealed to the hon. Member to take some convenient day for this Bill, and then let it be brought on at an earlier hour. It was a Bill of considerable importance, and it might be brought on some day—and he did not care how soon—after Easter.
§ MR. WARTONsaid, he would support that appeal.
§ SIR HARDINGE GIFFARDsaid, this was a matter which interested suitors very much. He had had many representations made to him upon it, and he intended to discuss the subject when he could get an opportunity. The Bill had come before the House in a most mysterious manner. The hon. Member in charge of it moved the second reading by touching his hat, and not saying a single word upon it.
§ MR. COURTNEYsaid, this was a Money Bill.
§ SIR HARDINGE GIFFARDreplied that, therefore, it could not be blocked. A serious charge was about to be put upon suitors; and, therefore, the subject was one which should be seriously discussed, and not when there was scarcely anyone present. To fix it for to-day was only fixing it formally for the day, and he hoped there would be no difficulty in fixing it for discussion soon after Easter.
§ MR. COURTNEYsaid, he did not propose to fix the Bill for to-day, and he would see what could be arranged.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Second Reading deferred till Tomorrow.