HC Deb 28 August 1893 vol 16 c1307

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That leave be given to bring in a Bill to continue various Expiring Laws."— (Sir J. T. Hibbert.)

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

wished to know if they would have time to discuss the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill this year? It contained matters of very great importance touching upon the whole question of election, the Ballot Act, illiterate voters, all of which were most contentious matters, and would require discussion.

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

said, all the matters included in the Bill were old matters, which had been passed in the Bill for 20 years or more. There might be some new points, but the general subjects were not at all new. He did not see, therefore, why the Bill should be put down specially so as to give time for discussion. There would be the usual time for discussing it like other Bills of the same character. He would undertake that the Second Reading should not be brought on before Friday, which would give the hon. Member a chance to see the Bill in print.

MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

Will it be the first Order on Friday?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

Certainly not.

MR. BARTLEY

Then I object.

MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

suggested that the First Reading stage might be allowed to pass, so that they could see the Bill in print.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

also recommended that the present stage should be taken, and then hon. Members with the Bill in print could see what it contained.

MR. BARTLEY

said, he would withdraw his objection on the understanding that on the Second Reading stage they had time to discuss the Bill.

Motion agreed to.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Sir J. T. Hibbert, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Attorney General.

Bill presented, and read first time. [Bill 451.]