§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ (6.47.) DR. TANNERI do not like to interfere in the discussion of a Bill with which I have little acquaintance: but it is possible that the Bill deals with a matter of too much importance to be passed over in silence. It has been sometimes the practice to introduce in these brief moments before the suspension of business a Bill to carry out some clerical or other job, and to move a Second Reading by a simple nod. Whenever this occurs and I have the opportunity, I feel it my duty to request some explanation, and I hope an explanation may be forthcoming in this case. It has been suggested to me in an informal way that the Bill is to provide for the division of an overgrown parish into two; but whether that is so or not, I think some explanation is due to us. I feel a natural 1458 objection to these Bills of an ecclesiastical character, for, generally speaking, they result in providing a sinecure for somebody. Perhaps at 9 o'clock some Member of the Government will be able to give us an explanation of the Bill.
§ It being ten minutes to Seven of the clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed this day.