HC Deb 09 May 1899 vol 71 cc223-4

Motion made and Question proposed— That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Sir John Lubbock.)

SIR JOHN LUBBOCK

expressed the hope that the House would permit this Bill to be read a second time that night.

* SIR CHARLES DILKE

said the Bill was similar to the one which applied to Scotland only, and which passed the House of Commons unanimously. He hoped this Bill would pass, and receive a better fate than the Scotch Bill in another place.

MR. ASQUITH (Fife, E.)

I think we are entitled to ask what is the opinion of the Government on this Bill, because a similar Bill, which was passed unanimously in this House, was rejected in the other House, without a division, at the instance of the Prime Minister.

MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

said he heard the speech of the noble Marquess at the head of the Government upon the Scotch Bill with great regret. He supported the Bill now before the House, and hoped it would be read a second time.

SIR W. WALROND (Devon, Tiverton)

In view of the question put by the right honourable Gentleman opposite, I think this matter must be considered by the Government, and I therefore object to the immediate progress of the measure.

Second Reading deferred till to-morrow.