HL Deb 29 May 1876 vol 229 cc1340-1
VISCOUNT CARDWELL

said, it would be convenient if the Government stated what course they proposed to take with the Cruelty to Animals Bill, which stood for Committee that evening.

THE DUKE OF RICHMOND AND GORDON

said, that he did not intend to ask their Lordships to proceed with the Bill that evening. Within the last few days he had received several communications of an important character in relation to the measure, and had seen several persons who took a great interest in the subject. He had not as yet been able to come to anything like a conclusion on some of the suggestions which had been made to him. Consequently, if their Lordships went into Committee that evening, they would necessarily deal with the Bill in an unsatisfactory and perfunctory manner. Under these circumstances, he thought the best course would be to postpone the Committee until after Whitsuntide, and in the meantime the Government would have an opportunity of considering the bearing of those representations that had been made to them.

Committee on said Bill accordingly put off sine die.