Earl Grosvenorstated, that considering the advanced period of the session, it was necessary that the Reversion Bill should be brought to a second reading without delay. He had been desirous to wait till a time when he could be assured that the noble and learned 717 lord who usually sat on the woolsack could be in the House, and he hoped that the noble lord would be able to attend before Friday; but he did not at any rate think it would be proper to postpone the second reading beyond Friday, and therefore he gave notice that he would make the motion on that day.
§ Lord Ellenboroughadverted to the circumstance that the opinion of the House had been lately taken three times on this subject, and that the noble and learned lord alluded to had taken a large share in the discussions which took place on those occasions. He therefore suggested that the second reading, according to the usual courtesy shown by their lordships to each other, ought not to be proposed at a time when the noble and learned lord might not be able to attend. There were strong hopes that he would very soon be able to attend in his place; but in case he should not be there on Friday, he trusted the noble lord would not then press the second reading.
Earl Grosvenoragreed to name Monday instead of Friday, but stated, that considering the time of the session, he could not accede to any further delay.—The Lords were ordered to be summoned for Monday.