§ (11.55.) Motion made, and Question put, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ The House divided:—Ayes 224; Noes 73.—(Div. List, No. 5.)
§ Bill read a second time.
§ On the Motion that the Bill be committed on Wednesday,
§ (12.8.) DR. CLARKMay I ask the Government whether, seeing that this Bill has only been delivered to-day, they will not consent to postpone the next stage, so that hon. Members may have time to propose Instructions for the purpose of modifying the measure? I think that to bring in a Bill like this, and attempt to rush it through the House without a word of explanation in the manner proposed, is very unfair.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI may point out that if the hon. Member had been in the House when I introduced the Bill he would have heard a very adequate explanation of it. Everyone who is acquainted with the state of things in Ireland is well aware that the measure is one that ought to be passed with as little delay as possible. I can assure the hon. Gentleman there is nothing in the Bill which puts an extra 6d. of taxation on the people. However, if it be any satisfaction to the hon. Member, I have no objection to defer the Committee stage until Thursday.
§ Motion made, and Question, "That the Bill be committed on Thursday," put, and agreed to.
§ House adjourned at ten minutes, after Twelve o'clock.