HC Deb 25 March 1889 vol 334 cc807-8

Order for Second Reading read.

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

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I beg to move the adjournment of the debate. There was no expectation this Bill would be reached to-night. My hon. Friend the Member for Longford desires to raise some questions as to the conduct and employment of soldiers in Ireland, and I wish to refer to the action of an officer who disturbed the congregation in Clonmel Church during Divine Service.

*MR. SPEAKER

The right hon. Member would not be in order in making a Motion to delay this—what is the usual Army Bill, to continue the Army Regulations for another year—for the purpose of alluding to events of the past year. They would not arise on the Bill, which is to continue Regulations for the coming year.

MR. SEXTON

My observations would undoubtedly come within the Bill, and I move the adjournment of the debate.

Motion made, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Sexton.)

*THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I hope the right hon. Member will not press the Motion, which will have the effect of seriously delaying the Bill, in order to raise the particular points referred to. Surely the right hon. Gentleman would not oppose the Second Reading?

MR. SEXTON

I must persist in the Motion.

Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."

The House divided:—Ayes 66; Noes 164.

Original Question again proposed.

MR. SEXTON

On the question of order, Sir, if I correctly appreciated the force of your ruling, you said my remarks should be relevant to the Regulations for the discipline of the Army. My remarks would be directed to the disturbance of a congregation at Divine Service by the conduct of soldiers, and my desire is to obtain an assurance that the Regulations should be so altered as to prevent a recurrence of such disturbance.

*MR. SPEAKER

A discussion on the action of a particular officer of the Army would not be relevant to the Bill; but if the hon. Gentleman wishes to alter any general Regulation, that could be discussed in Committee.

MR. SEXTON

I give notice that in Committee on the Bill I will move an Amendment to the effect that no order should be given in church which would tend to disturb the peace of the congregation.

Original Questions put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed.