§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ (2.45.) MR. S. T. EVANS (Glamorgan, Mid)I desire to ask whether the Government intend to proceed with this Bill or not? I would remind the hon. and learned Gentleman the Attorney General that there are at least five notices of Motion on the Paper against the Bill already, and that there is very strong objection taken to it. It is too bad to keep Members up till 3 o'clock in the morning to oppose the Bill. I can assure the hon. and learned Member that it is a contentious Bill, and therefore comes within the pledge given by the Leader of the House, and ought not to be proceeded with at this period of the Session.
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER, Isle of Wight)As I understand the matter, there is a strong feeling in the House that that part of the measure should be passed which will deprive clergymen of the Established Church convicted of crimes of the power of performing their spiritual duties. I do not think that any pledge has been broken by the Bill being kept on the Paper.
§ MR. S. T. EVANSMay I put a question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ *MR. MORTON (Peterborough)I have stopped here to oppose the Bill.
§ *MR. SPEAKERThe Second Reading is not proposed now.
§ Second Reading deferred till tomorrow.