SECOND READING PUT OFF.

HL Deb 12 May 1857 vol 145 cc199-200

In reply to Lord LYNDHURST,

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

said, that if it were the wish of their Lordships to discuss these Bills separately, he could not object. He would take the second reading of the Divorce Bill on Tuesday next instead of Monday next.

THE BISHOP OF OXFORD,

who was not in the House when this arrangement was made, appealed to the Lord Chancellor on behalf of his most rev. and right rev. Brethren to give a longer time for the consideration of the Divorce Bill. The Bill would not be in the hands of their Lordships until Wednesday, and he thought it exceedingly undesirable to proceed with such a degree of haste in so very important a matter as to take the second reading on the following Tuesday. It was of the utmost importance that the Bishops should come down to the House with their minds fully made up on a principle which touched the ecclesiastical law in a most vital point, and he trusted the noble and learned Lord would allow them a reasonable time for the consideration of the measure.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

said, he had already postponed the second reading from Monday to Tuesday. The subject was discussed at the greatest possible length last year, and was again discussed in the short Session this year. The alterations in the Bill, though very important, were very slight, and it was unreasonable to ask for further time when the whole Session might be lost by the Bill not going down early enough to the other House. The right rev. Prelate had no doubt made up his mind upon the principle, and as to the details, there would be no discussion of them until the Bill went into Committee. Their Lordships had had too frequent experience of the ill effects of postponement of this kind.

THE BISHOP OF OXFORD

said, there were several right rev. Prelates who had had no opportunity of expressing their opinion upon the subject. Before making a grave alteration in the ecclesiastical law of England, the English Bishops ought to come to some understanding, if possible, of the views which they entertained. The noble and learned Lord had supplied another reason for postponement in stating that the alterations in the Bill were both slight and important. He thought sufficient time ought to be given to the bench of Bishops to consider the Bill with due deliberation.

LORD LYNDHURST

reminded their Lordships that only two of the right rev. Prelates had attended a former discussion of the measure. Second 'reading (which stands appointed for Monday next) put off to Tuesday next.