HC Deb 08 June 1887 vol 315 cc1414-5

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

I wish to ask if the Govern- ment have any objection to the second reading of this Bill being taken, not now, but at an early date, with a view to the probability of the Government Bill on the same subject not being brought on, or not being taken up in time to be passed this Session. The Act of 1880 will expire at the end of this year, or at the end of the then next Session of Parliament. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary that some Act on the subject should be passed—[" Order, order! "]—I am only making an inquiry as to the intentions of the Government. This Bill is founded on the lines—["Order, order!"]

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not entitled to discuss the Bill.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)

I may say that this Bill was only circulated this morning. I have not yet had time to read it, and I cannot, therefore, say what course the Government will take with respect to it.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

Will the Government allow the Bill to be read a second time, if they find that they cannot proceed in the present Session with their own measure? ["Order, order!"]

[No reply.]

Second Reading deferred till Thursday 23rd June.

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