§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Second Reading be deferred till Thursday."—(Sir John Gorst.)
§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)I think the Government ought to state when this Bill will be taken. There was a distinct promise given on the part of the Government that the Debate; on this Bill should be taken between Easter and Whitsuntide, but that has been departed from. I do not wish to put the Government in an unfair position, but I received notice late on Saturday night that the Bill was to be taken to-day, and that is not a fair carrying out of the arrangement that Members should have duo notice of the Bill coming on. It should be sot down as the first or second Order, for there must be a real Debate upon the Second Reading, and I would ask the right hon. Gentleman in charge if there is no intention of taking the Bill on Thursday, to put it down for a later day.
MR. BRTCE (Aberdeen, S.)I desire to confirm what has been said by the hon. Member. This is really a very important matter, and, in view of the interest the question excites in India, I hope the Government will make arrangements for a reasonably long Debate of three or four hours.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir J. GORST,) ChathamIt was the intention to take the Second Reading to-day, and if business had followed its usual course I have no doubt we should have boon able to do so. I would suggest that the hon. Member for Northampton should to-morrow put a question on the subject to my right hon. Friend the Loader of the House.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHThen Thursday is merely the pro formd postponement, not a fixture?
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Second Reading deferred till Thursday.