HC Deb 26 July 1894 vol 27 cc1105-6

Order for Second Reading read.

Objection being taken,

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, Poplar

I hope this Bill may be allowed to go through. It has the assent of both Parties; it was drawn up by a previous Secretary of State, and is adopted by the present Secretary of State, and I believe there is no objection to it.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE (Rochester)

I am sorry to have to object, but I do so as a protest against the conduct of the Government to-night.

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL (Sir R. T. REID,, &c.) Dumfries

Perhaps a brief explanation may remove the noble Lord's objection. Prize Courts are necessary in a state of war, and they are established in the colonies now by Commission of Her Majesty when war is declared. The only object of the Bill is this: as you send Commission by telegraph to naval officers to commence operations, so it is desirable in the same way to have Prize Courts ready to proceed.

Further Objection being taken, Second Reading deferred till To-morrow.