HC Deb 04 March 1892 vol 2 cc132-3

SECOND READING.

Order for Second Reading read.

(11.52.) COLONEL NOLAN

Objection may be taken that this Bill is not printed; but the fact is, this is a Bill which has been before the House frequently. Occasionally the Bill has passed a Second Reading, and I really think the House might give it a Second Reading now, and take the discussion on it in Committee. I do not want to make a speech, but I want to point out that Ministers have never really opposed the principle of this Bill. I hope the Ministry will allow the Bill to pass now.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Colonel Nolan.)

(11.54.) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) Dublin University

I should be very happy to respond to the invitation of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to tell him whether I thought there was any objection to this Bill, if I had had the advantage of seeing the Bill.

COLONEL NOLAN

It is the same as last year.

MR. MADDEN

But I really think even an Irish Attorney General cannot be expected to give his opinion on a Bill that he has not seen. I am certain that the topics suggested by the title of the Bill are not so absolutely non-contentious as to simplify the matter. I therefore think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will see that his request is a little unreasonable.

(11.55.) MR. KELLY (Camberwell, N.)

If the hon. Member will withdraw the Bill, he will spare the House some trouble, because I scarcely think the House can consider a Bill which has not been printed. I beg to move that the Bill be read a second time this day six months.

(11.56.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I wish to ask whether it is in order to move a Bill which has not been printed?

COLONEL NOLAN

Yes, it is.

MR. SPEAKER

I think the time of the House is being waited. I hope the House will not proceed further.

Debate adjourned till Monday next.

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