§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Second Reading be deferred till Saturday next."—(Sir Michael Hicks-Beach.)
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)said, this was the first Order set down for that day, and acquiescence with the Motion would fix a Saturday Sitting. He might prevent that by objection, but had no wish to take that course; he merely wished to ask what Business was proposed to be taken on the Saturday, at what hour the House would meet, and when it was proposed to adjourn? A Saturday Sitting necessarily meant a day snatched from the rest of Members and officers of the House, and he presumed the Sitting would be governed by the usual Rules applicable to Wednesdays. Further, he would sug- 1364 gest that the practice of last Session should obtain, and it would prevent a considerable amount of wrangling that no private Member's Business should be taken; but the Government after their own Business was disposed of should move the adjournment. That was a fair proposition to make; it would prevent Members being brought down and kept continually on the watch against Bills to which they were opposed.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)said, it was not proposed to take any Business seriously opposed, except the Report of Supply and Army and Navy Votes in Supply. It was proposed that the House should meet at 12, and suspend its sitting at 6 o'clock, as on Wednesday, and the Government would certainly propose to follow the suggestions of the hon. and learned Member, that no Opposed Private Member's Bill be taken.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYNo Bills?
§ MR. GOSCHENNo Bills; unless the House were disposed to take an unopposed Bill.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYNo contentious Bills?
§ MR. GOSCHENNo other contentious Business than I have mentioned.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Second Reading deferred till Saturday.