HC Deb 03 August 1888 vol 329 cc1552-3

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Lords' Amendments be considered on Monday."

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

said, he objected to this opportunity being given for the consideration of the Lords' Amendments to this Bill. It was a most contentious measure, and the discussion must take considerable time. He would strongly appeal to the Government to let the Bill stand over for the Autumn Sitting. It was a most contentious proposal, and it affected all the newspapers in the country. He did not approve of the Bill as it left the House, and he certainly objected to it now.

MR. SPEAKER

This is only a formal proposal that the House may have the Lords' Amendments printed, that they may be considered.

MR. T. M. HEALY

said, he objected to the Bill in its entirety, and protested against the present period of the Session being lengthened on account of it. The Bill was promoted by a little knot of interested newspaper proprietors who took a vehement interest in it, and who, having got the Bill so far, would persist in their efforts, and urge that another half-hour would dispose of the Amendments. But to discuss it would prolong the Sitting for another day at least. He strongly urged the Government not to be a party to this. Let the Amendments stand over until the autumn, when Members, having shot their grouse, might be in a better state of mind to consider the question.

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)

said, he hoped the hon. and learned Member for North Longford would not persist in his objection, seeing that there was no intention to take the Bill on Monday; the proposal now was simply for putting the matter in order that the Amendments might be printed, and Members might see what they were. Any objection might be raised on the Motion to consider the Amendments; they would not be taken on Monday, or without further Notice being given.

MR. T. M. HEALY

said, with the utmost respect to the hon. Gentleman, whose courtesy he was always ready to acknowledge, his objection was to the Bill in every shape or form. He objected to newspapers having further protection. Newspapers ought to be muzzled. He did not believe in what was called "freedom of the Press;" he was opposed to freedom of the Press, and certainly opposed to giving them more freedom for the insertion of libellous matter than they had at present. He must continue his objection.

Question put, and agreed to.