§ On Order of the Day for resuming the adjourned debate on Motion for Second Reading (which stands appointed for this day),
THE LORD CHANCELLORappealed to his noble Friend who had charge of the Bill (Earl De la Warr) to consent to a further postponement of the debate, on the ground that the Bill of the Government dealing with the same subject, and which ought to be considered by their Lordships simultaneously with his noble Friend's measure, was still in the House of Commons. He was not without hope that the Government Bill would reach their Lordships' House; and, therefore, he asked the noble Earl to postpone for a fortnight the further discussion of his Bill.
§ LORD NORTONexpressed his regret that there should be this delay in legislating on the question. He thought 604 that the Bill of his noble Friend was a fair proposition for discussion, and the four Bills on the subject now before Parliament only differed in degree, not in principle. If the Government Bill had been introduced in this House there might have been legislation this year, which was now very doubtful. The noble Earl had no choice but to accede to the request of the noble and learned Earl.
§ EARL DE LA WARR, with regret, accepted the suggestion of his noble and learned Friend on the Woolsack. He thought the Bill of the Government had been strangely delayed in its passage through the other House; but the subject was of much importance, and he hoped that their Lordships would be enabled to deal with the Bill before the close of the Session.
§ Adjourned debate put off to Thursday the 31st instant.