HC Deb 24 June 1890 vol 345 c1821

Order for Committee road.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH,) Strand, Westminster

Mr. Speaker, before we proceed to enter upon the Orders of the Day I think it only right to refer briefly to the very grave and important observations which fell from you a few minutes ago in answer to the hon. and learned Member for Longford (Mr. T. M. Healy). Sir, we cannot be indifferent to any expression of opinion which falls from the Chair on matters of constitutional importance, especially when such opinion is expressed for the guidance and information of the House. It will be the duty of the Government most carefully to consider the observations which fell from you, Sir, in answer to the questions addressed to you; and, in order that we may have time to do so, we do not propose to proceed with the consideration of this Bill this evening. On Thursday I propose to state to the House the course which the Government will take with regard to those provisions of the Bill to which your attention was drawn this evening.

Committee deferred till Thursday.