HC Deb 08 August 1889 vol 339 cc870-1

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. T. M. HEALY

I should like—as I understand this Bill is to be put down for Saturday—to know what business it is intended to take on that day. Also, under what con- ditions the Saturday sitting will be held? I think it is most inconvenient that we should have to sit on Saturday.

* MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot definitely answer the hon. Member's question in the absence of my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Treasury. Saturday sittings may be avoided if satisfactory progress in business is made during the week.

MR. SEXTON

The First Lord of the Treasury hinted for the first time to-night that there would probably be a Saturday sitting. I think the business of the Session could easily be wound up without the necessity of Saturday sittings if reasonable conciliation were employed towards hon. Members from Ireland. At any rate, the Government may very well postpone the question of Saturday sittings until next week.

* MR. A. J. BALFOUR

If the right hon. Gentleman will allow the matter to stand over till to-morrow, when the Leader of the House will be in his place, I will undertake to place the views of hon. Members before him.

Second Reading deferred to this day.