HC Deb 30 August 1895 vol 36 cc1375-6

On the Order of the Second Reading of this Bill.

MR. E. J. C. MORTON

asked for some, explanation. The Bill was not printed. Was it in order to take the Second Reading before the Bill was printed?

* MR. SPEAKER

said, that it was not usual, but it was not out of order.

MR. JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN

said, that it was to settle a doubt as to the validity of an Act of the Dominion Parliament enabling that Parliament to appoint a Deputy Speaker to the Senate.

DR. TANNER

said that he must object to the Bill.

MR. T. M. HEALY

said, from what he had seen of the Bill, through the courtesy of the right hon. Gentleman, he thought it might very well be allowed to pass. At the same time he thought it was a strong measure to pass a Bill of this importance without its first being printed. The right hon. Gentleman would himself see that it was a serious inroad on the practice of the House, and might involve an important constitutional question.

MR. JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN

agreed that unless the Bill were to be allowed to pass without objection it would be improper to press it. If objection was taken to it he would put it down for to-day.

DR. TANNER

withdrew his objection.

Bill read 2° and committed for Monday next.