HC Deb 01 April 1890 vol 343 c448

Order for Second Reading read.

(6.28.) Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Bradlaugh.)

*MR. W. H. SMITH

I hope the hon. Gentleman will not persist at this hour in pressing forward the Second Reading of the Bill.

MR. BRADLAUGH

The whole of the Bill, except one point, has been practically accepted by the Government. As I am willing to abandon that point, I hope the Government will allow the Second Reading to pass. To utilise spare minutes such as these is the only chance that a private Member has of passing a Bill; and I think it is rather hard that, in such circumstances as I have mentioned, the Government should bar its further progress. If the Government intend to adhere to that course, then I am ready to challenge a Division. I will strike out every portion of the Bill to which the Government takes objection.

*MR. W. H. SMITH

Then I assent to the Second Reading.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday 14th April.