§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed) "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Macartney.)
§ (12.7.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)We have not had the advantage of any explanation of this Bill, and I think it is an extremely vicious principle to take a Second Reading at this hour with no knowledge of the contents of a Bill, and to such a course I must object.
§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)With the leave of the House, I will explain that the Bill deals with several details in which the Labourers Act has been found in operation defective. It proposes to substitute the names of 12 persons entitled to vote for the ratepayers now required in making any representation. There are one or two other amendments of the Act with regard to providing gardens, and one clause deals with technical errors in the proceedings before the Board of Guardians providing that these shall not as now stop the whole proceedings. In the principle of the Bill, I think, there is nothing to object to; it is not opposed by the Government, and whatever questions that arise are such as should be raised in Committee.
§ (12.8.) MR. SEXTONIt is a very faint outline the hon. Gentleman has given us; but so far I see no objection, though I reserve my freedom of action on Committee stage.
§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)One question I must ask, is the Bill printed?
§ MR. MACARTNEYYes, printed some days ago.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday next.