HL Deb 12 July 1867 vol 188 cc1424-5

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE EARL OF DERBY

said, that he entirely agreed with the object of the Bill; but he begged to point out that a Bill dealing with this subject, and prepared by the Government, was now before the other House of Parliament. The Home Secretary had given notice of certain Amendments; but the House of Commons had been occupied lately by more important duties. He would suggest that the noble Lord should postpone the second reading for a week, in order to give time to proceed with their measure in the other House.

EARL GRANVILLE

thought that the Question was a most important and most difficult one, and ought to be dealt with, after due consideration, by Her Majesty's Government. It was not fit that such a measure should be introduced on the responsibility of an individual Peer, however much he might be respected in that House.

LORD REDESDALE

said, his object in introducing this Bill was to find out what; was intended by the Government in this matter. The Bill before the other House had been so often postponed that he almost doubted at last whether it would go forward at all. He thought that the public were entitled to some protection in this matter, and to some legislation in the course of the present Session. But, under all the circumstances he did not object to postpone the second reading of the Bill.

Second Reading put off to Friday next.