HC Deb 04 August 1887 vol 318 cc1311-2

[ADJOURNED DEBATE.]

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [26th July], "That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee of Seven Members, Four to be nominated by the House and Three by the Committee of Selection."

Question again proposed.

Debate resumed.

MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

I Lope the right hon. and gallant Gentleman (Colonel King-Harman) will not persist in taking this at this hour of the night, as we know there is a great deal to be said on the subject.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not be foolish enough to go behind his own Motion. The Leader of the Government and the right hon. and gallant Gentleman have both, told us they are anxious to pass this Bill. A week has already been lost, and since it was last before the House a meeting of the Catholics of Belfast have been held, and they unanimously resolved to urge the Government to proceed with it. If there is any further delay, I shall be inclined to think the Government had no intention to proceed with it.

Question put, and agreed to. Ordered, That all Petitions against the Bill, presented two clear days before the meeting of the Committee, be referred to the Committee; that the Petitioners praying to be heard by themselves, their Counsel, or Agents, be heard against the Bill, and Counsel heard in support of the Bill. Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records. Ordered, That Three be the quorum.—(Colonel King-Harman.)

MR. SEXTON

Do you propose to put down the names of the Committee to-night?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

Yes; I propose to do so.