§ Order for the House to be put into Committee read.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)said that in reference to this Bill, he had had some consultation with his hon. friend the Member for Bolton, who had met him in a very reasonable spirit, and said that if the Government would take the responsibility of conducting the Bill through the House his opposition to it would cease. He thought that was a very fair and reasonable offer on the part of the hon. Gentleman, and as he had received an intimation that the Government would take responsibility for the Bill, he hoped hon. Members would allow the Committee stage to be taken.
§ MR. HARWOOD (Bolton)said hitherto he had objected to the Bill on the ground 156 that any such departure in the criminal law as was therein contemplated ought not to be made on the initiative of a private Member, and after eleven o'clock. If he received an assurance from the Government that they accepted responsibility for the Bill he should no longer maintain his objection.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.The view of the Government on this Bill is well known. We are extremely anxious to see it passed into law. I have put down some Amendments which we think are desirable, and I do hope the House will consent to take the Committee stage.
§ MR. CREAN (Cork, S.E.)I object.
§ The consideration of the Bill was, thereupon, deferred.
§ And, it being half-past Eleven of the clock, Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
§ Adjourned at half after Eleven o'clock.